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Behavioral Sciences
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Physical Activity, Physical and Psychological Health 2.0
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Physical Activity, Physical and Psychological Health 2.0

A special issue of Behavioral Sciences (ISSN 2076-328X). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Psychology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2023) | Viewed by 26254

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Andrew Soundy

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
Interests: psychosocial adaptation; hope; mental well-being; narrative; storytelling; behavioural interventions; chronic illness; pain; qualitative research
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Armando Cocca

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck (AT), 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
Interests: exercise; physical, psychological, and social health; youth; school
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Health promotion and enhancement are actions with an impact not only on the single individual, but also on communities and, more generally, our society. Owing to that, delving into the physical, psychological, social and environmental domains of health and finding proper strategies to prevent the onset (or reduce the effects) of diseases that are currently spread worldwide should represent a primary objective of the scientific community. Regarding the physical domain, obesity and overweight rates, health-related physical fitness, and a sedentary lifestyle are just some of the factors raising concern among health professionals; in the psychological domain, variables such as chronic stress, anxiety, psychological wellbeing, and self-perceptions (self-esteem, self-concept, body image, etc.)  are considered essential for the determination of one’s health condition. Finally, in this second issue we believed it was really important to recognize the social and environmental domains of health. It is really important that we understand how the physical environment and social environment impact on health.  Physical activity (PA) is considered one of the most powerful behaviour-based tools in this field, as its effect on the body and the mind is well known and thoroughly demonstrated. PA has been linked with better body composition and physical growth, enhanced fitness, and more favourable metabolic parameters. Furthermore, it helps in attenuating mental issues at the same time, as it improves one’s mood, emotional intelligence, and general mental state. The aim of this Special Issue is to present the latest PA-based protocols and programs and their effect on one or more physical, psychological, social and environmental variables of health. We hope that the authors’ contributions to this issue will help health practitioners from different communities and areas better respond to the needs of diverse populations.

Dr. Andrew Soundy
Dr. Armando Cocca
Guest Editors

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • exercise
  • physical activity levels
  • intervention programs
  • health strategies
  • school
  • community
  • sports
  • youth
  • adults
  • elderly
  • chronic diseases
  • fitness
  • body composition
  • metabolism and physiology
  • self-assessment
  • depression
  • stress
  • anxiety
  • mental state
  • cognitive development

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 772 KiB  
Article
Actual and Perceived Motor Competence in Chilean Schoolchildren before and after COVID-19 Lockdowns: A Cohort Comparison
by Jaime Carcamo-Oyarzun, Sonia Salvo-Garrido and Isaac Estevan
Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(4), 306; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13040306 - 4 Apr 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1987
Abstract
(1) Background: the measures applied in Chile to reduce COVID-19 infections have been very strict, mainly for children who have experienced lockdowns and school closures for almost two years. Emerging evidence indicates that lockdowns have had several negative effects on children; therefore, the [...] Read more.
(1) Background: the measures applied in Chile to reduce COVID-19 infections have been very strict, mainly for children who have experienced lockdowns and school closures for almost two years. Emerging evidence indicates that lockdowns have had several negative effects on children; therefore, the present study seeks to analyze the secular effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on Chilean students’ actual motor competence (AMC) and perceived motor competence (PMC). (2) Methods: using a sequential cohort design, data from 523 fifth-grade students at nine elementary schools (46.8% girls, age M = 11.11, SD = 0.66) were assessed in 2018–19 (pre-lockdown) (n = 265) and 2022 (post-lockdown) (n = 258). (3) Results: in the domain of object control (AMC and PMC), no significant differences were found (AMC p = 0.559; PMC p = 0.682). In the self-movement domain of AMC and PMC, the significant differences found presented a small effect size (AMC p = 0.044, ηp2 = 0.01; PMC p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.03). (4) Conclusions: although the differences encountered were not drastic, self-movement skills tended to be greatly affected by the lockdowns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings broaden information on the negative consequences of the pandemic on students in aspects related to an active and healthy life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Physical and Psychological Health 2.0)
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13 pages, 834 KiB  
Article
Effects of Resistance Exercise on Cognitive Performance and Depressive Symptoms in Community-Dwelling Older Chinese Americans: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
by Mei-Lan Chen, Ying-Jung Wu, Mi-Jung Lee, Sung-Lin Hsieh, Ing-Jy Tseng, Li-Sheng Chen and Douglas S. Gardenhire
Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 241; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13030241 - 9 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3151
Abstract
Previous literature has suggested physical exercise may improve cognitive impairments and mitigate depressive symptoms. However, few studies examined the impact of resistance exercise intervention on cognition and depression in older Chinese Americans. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the effects [...] Read more.
Previous literature has suggested physical exercise may improve cognitive impairments and mitigate depressive symptoms. However, few studies examined the impact of resistance exercise intervention on cognition and depression in older Chinese Americans. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the effects of resistance exercise training on cognitive performance and depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older Chinese Americans. The study was a two-arm randomized controlled trial with pre-test/post-test design. Thirty older adults were randomly assigned into the resistance exercise intervention group or the wait-list control group. Participants’ cognitive performance and depressive symptoms were evaluated at baseline (pre-test) and at 12 weeks (post-test). The results showed that there were significant differences between the intervention and control groups on changes in symptoms of depression, global cognitive function, visuospatial/executive functions, attention, language, and orientation. However, there were no significant differences between both groups on changes in naming, abstraction, and delayed recall domains. The findings of this study suggest that resistance exercise training has a positive impact on improving cognitive performance and depressive symptoms in older adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Physical and Psychological Health 2.0)
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13 pages, 611 KiB  
Article
ACTIVE YOU: Teacher Attributes and Attitudes Predicting Physical Activity Promotion
by Erin E. Centeio, Yeonhak Jung and Darla M. Castelli
Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13030210 - 1 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1818
Abstract
Background: Based on the Health Belief Model, this study examined preservice teacher attributes and attitudes toward providing physical activity opportunities for children in school. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used to collect proof of concept and feasibility data for the ACTIVE YOU intervention [...] Read more.
Background: Based on the Health Belief Model, this study examined preservice teacher attributes and attitudes toward providing physical activity opportunities for children in school. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used to collect proof of concept and feasibility data for the ACTIVE YOU intervention as part of teacher education. Conclusions: Examination of a diverse sample of preservice teachers during their fieldwork revealed that those who engage in healthy behaviors and had positive attitudes toward physical activity in schools are more likely to take action and promote physical activity for their students. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Physical and Psychological Health 2.0)
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12 pages, 280 KiB  
Article
Application of the COM–B Framework to Understand Facilitators and Barriers for Practising Physical Activity among Pregnant Women and Midwives Participating in the WELL-DONE! Study
by Sofia Marini, Rossella Messina, Alice Masini, Francesca Scognamiglio, Isotta Caravita, Vincenza Leccese, Giorgia Soldà, Dila Parma, Virginia Bertini, Lawrence Matthew Scheier and Laura Dallolio
Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(2), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13020114 - 30 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2659
Abstract
Regular physical activity (PA) is protective and reduces disease burden but remains a challenge for pregnant women (PW). According to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, PW without contraindications should practice 150 min of moderate PA per week. Nonetheless, PA levels are concerningly [...] Read more.
Regular physical activity (PA) is protective and reduces disease burden but remains a challenge for pregnant women (PW). According to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, PW without contraindications should practice 150 min of moderate PA per week. Nonetheless, PA levels are concerningly low among PW. The aim of this study was to investigate PW’s and midwives’ perceptions regarding PA and recommended guidelines, and use this information to inform future health promotion strategies. We recruited 10 PW and 10 midwives to participate in online focus groups conducted between July 2020 and April 2021. Focus group probes and data analysis were guided by the COM–B (capability, opportunity, motivation–behaviour) framework. The majority of the sample had already practised PA, recognized the importance of PA during pregnancy, and considered the WHO guidelines reasonable. Notwithstanding, PW wanted more specific instruction on PA and desired opportunities to practice. Additional barriers reported by PW included low self-efficacy and lack of motivation. Midwives considered the lack of specific knowledge and confidence in managing PA as the main obstacles. The current findings suggest that PW and midwives need specific training in PA to overcome both psychological and physical barriers. Midwives play a vital role in educating and encouraging PA among PW. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Physical and Psychological Health 2.0)
13 pages, 524 KiB  
Article
Relation between Physical Fitness Components and the Occurrence and Subjective Intensity of Back Pain in Secondary School Adolescents
by Armando Cocca, Klaus Greier, Clemens Drenowatz, Nicola Lovecchio, Raúl Baños, Katharina Wirnitzer and Gerhard Ruedl
Behav. Sci. 2022, 12(10), 353; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs12100353 - 23 Sep 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1936
Abstract
Despite the well documented benefits of physical fitness (PF) on general health, its role in back pain (BP) is still unclear. The objective of this study was to assess the association between different PF profiles and BP in a sample of adolescents. The [...] Read more.
Despite the well documented benefits of physical fitness (PF) on general health, its role in back pain (BP) is still unclear. The objective of this study was to assess the association between different PF profiles and BP in a sample of adolescents. The study assessed PF and BP in a sample of 919 youth (age = 15.5 ± 1.3 years) from North and South Tyrol. A total of 531 participants (57.8%) reported no BP, whereas 4.7% (n = 43) reported severe BP. A two-step cluster analysis detected three main groups: the “less fit”, with significantly lower scores in all PF tests (p < 0.001); the “strong sprinters”, with higher speed and muscular strength than the others (p < 0.001); and the “flexible marathoners”, with higher flexibility and cardiorespiratory fitness (p < 0.001). The “flexible marathoners” showed significantly better BP scores than the “less fit” (p = 0.029). Cardiorespiratory fitness and trunk flexibility are potential preventive components of BP in adolescents. Since the decline in flexibility starts very early in life, it is recommended to put a particular emphasis on this component of PF. The role of other components of PF should be further investigated in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Physical and Psychological Health 2.0)
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11 pages, 1015 KiB  
Article
Predictors of the Level of Physical Activity in Physically Active Older People
by María Antonia Parra-Rizo, Jaime Vásquez-Gómez, Cristian Álvarez, Ximena Diaz-Martínez, Claudia Troncoso, Ana Maria Leiva-Ordoñez, Rafael Zapata-Lamana and Igor Cigarroa
Behav. Sci. 2022, 12(9), 331; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs12090331 - 14 Sep 2022
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 3475
Abstract
There has not been much study of risk profiles in older people according to different levels of practice in physical activity. For this reason, the aim of this research was to evaluate whether the elements that influence the quality of life and factors [...] Read more.
There has not been much study of risk profiles in older people according to different levels of practice in physical activity. For this reason, the aim of this research was to evaluate whether the elements that influence the quality of life and factors such as gender and education can predict the level of physical activity in the physically active elderly population. The Fernández–Ballesteros quality of life questionnaire and the WHO International Physical Activity Questionnaire were applied to a sample of 397 people with a mean age of 69.65 years (SD = 4.71). The results revealed the following predictive factors of practicing a low level of physical activity (p < 0.05): being a woman; having a low educational level; and low scores in activity and leisure and in functional skills. In conclusion, gender, education, functional skills, activity and leisure, and health are elements of quality of life that predict the level of physical activity performed by the elderly, where it is necessary to use leisure activities (visiting friends, playing games, running errands) as an indirect way to increase participation in physical activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Physical and Psychological Health 2.0)
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10 pages, 279 KiB  
Article
Physical Exercise and Undergraduate Students’ Subjective Well-Being: Mediating Roles of Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Sleep Quality
by Sen Lin, Liming Li, Dong Zheng and Libiao Jiang
Behav. Sci. 2022, 12(9), 316; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs12090316 - 30 Aug 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3418
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the association between physical exercise and subjective well-being among undergraduate students, as well as its underlying mechanism—the potential mediating roles of basic psychological need satisfaction and sleep quality—from the perspective of self-determination theory. A sample of 770 undergraduate [...] Read more.
This study aimed to examine the association between physical exercise and subjective well-being among undergraduate students, as well as its underlying mechanism—the potential mediating roles of basic psychological need satisfaction and sleep quality—from the perspective of self-determination theory. A sample of 770 undergraduate students (mean age was 19.90 ± 1.15 years old; 464 women) were recruited voluntarily to complete a set of measures examining physical exercise habits, psychological need satisfaction in exercise, sleep quality, and subjective well-being. The results indicated that (1) physical exercise was positively associated with undergraduate students’ subjective well-being; (2) psychological need satisfaction and sleep quality could significantly mediate this relation, which contained three pathways—the independent mediating effects of sleep quality and basic psychological need satisfaction and the sequential mediating effect of them. These findings not only reveal the mediating mechanism underlying the relation between physical exercise and subjective well-being by integrating the psychological and physical factors together but also provide an empirical basis for formulating prevention and intervention programs aimed at promoting the health and subjective well-being of undergraduate students. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Physical and Psychological Health 2.0)

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28 pages, 1032 KiB  
Systematic Review
Factors Influencing Participation in Physical Activity, Sports, and Exercise in Children and Adolescents with Spinal Pain or Spinal Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Ethnography
by Susanna Tucker, Nicola R. Heneghan, Adrian Gardner, Alison Rushton, Samia Alamrani and Andrew Soundy
Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 486; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13060486 - 9 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2758
Abstract
Background: Physical activity is an effective treatment for paediatric spinal pain. However, participation rates remain low and review evidence is needed to establish why. This review identifies factors influencing participation in sports, exercise, and physical activity in those aged 18 or under with [...] Read more.
Background: Physical activity is an effective treatment for paediatric spinal pain. However, participation rates remain low and review evidence is needed to establish why. This review identifies factors influencing participation in sports, exercise, and physical activity in those aged 18 or under with spinal pain or spinal conditions. Trends or differences between discrete sub-populations are identified. Methods: A meta-ethnographic review was undertaken. Qualitative papers were identified and appraised using the JBI checklist. Thematic trends were mapped onto the biopsychosocial model and subthemes identified. Uniqueness was calculated and the confidence in the evidence was evaluated using the GRADE-CERQual tool. Results: Data were gathered from nine qualitative papers (384 participants). Three themes were identified: (1) biological: physical challenges and bladder and bowel care; (2) psychological: perceptions of differences to peers, struggle, anger, sadness, adjustment, and acceptance; and (3) sociological: influence of friends, social acceptance, negative attitudes from others, and the influence of their disability on family routine. Conclusions: Sociological factors were most influential on exercise participation alongside related psychological and biological factors. Adolescents over 14 years offered greater critical insight compared to the younger children. Results are best applied to neuromuscular conditions with further robust evidence required in paediatric musculoskeletal spinal pain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Physical and Psychological Health 2.0)
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11 pages, 735 KiB  
Study Protocol
Dissemination, Implementation, and Evaluation of an Effective School-Based Intervention to Promote Physical Activity in Adolescents: A Study Protocol
by Hisham Bachouri-Muniesa, Léna Lhuisset, Alberto Aibar, Nicolas Fabre, Sonia Asún-Dieste, Julien E. Bois, Maïté Verloigne, José Antonio Julián Clemente, Lionel Dubertrand, José Carlos Ribeiro, Enrique García Bengoechea, Eduardo Ibor-Bernalte and Javier Zaragoza
Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(4), 290; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13040290 - 28 Mar 2023
Viewed by 3344
Abstract
Adolescents around the world do not engage in sufficient physical activity and the Spanish context is no exception. Understanding the educational context as a complex system, school-based multi-level and multi-component interventions seem to be an effective strategy to reverse this trend. Moreover, a [...] Read more.
Adolescents around the world do not engage in sufficient physical activity and the Spanish context is no exception. Understanding the educational context as a complex system, school-based multi-level and multi-component interventions seem to be an effective strategy to reverse this trend. Moreover, a co-creational approach seems to facilitate the mobilization of community partnerships and the engagement of stakeholders in the intervention process. This study aims to describe the dissemination, implementation, and evaluation process of an effective school-based intervention program in another setting using the replicating effective programs framework and a co-participatory approach. This study will be conducted in two Spanish secondary schools located in the region of Aragon (experimental vs. control school) in a sample of adolescents in the second grade (13–14 years old). To evaluate the effectiveness, different health behaviors such as physical activity, sleep, sedentary time with screens, nutrition, and psychosocial variables will be quantitatively measured at baseline and after the implementation of the intervention. Qualitative methods will also be used to better understand the implementation process and the co-creation approach, as well as to provide insights into the sustainability of the intervention program. The current study has the potential to provide strong information about the dissemination, implementation, and evaluation process of school-based programs to promote healthy behaviors among adolescents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity, Physical and Psychological Health 2.0)
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