The Association of Location and Social Context with Physical Activity Enjoyment in a Population of...

This article was downloaded by: [Laurentian University]On: 09 October 2014, At: 12:58Publisher: RoutledgeInforma Ltd Registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 1072954Registered office: Mortimer House, 37-41 Mortimer Street, London W1T3JH, UK

Annals of Leisure ResearchPublication details, including instructions forauthors and subscription information:http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/ranz20

The Association of Locationand Social Context withPhysical Activity Enjoymentin a Population of Able BodiedRural Aging WomenDaniel S. Theriault a , Kindal A. Shores b ,Stephanie T. West c & Jill J. Naar da Texas A&M University , College Station, Texas,USAb East Carolina University , Greenville, NorthCarolina, USAc East Carolina University , Boone, North Carolina,USAd East Carolina University , Greenville, NorthCarolina, USAPublished online: 19 Sep 2011.

To cite this article: Daniel S. Theriault , Kindal A. Shores , Stephanie T. West & JillJ. Naar (2010) The Association of Location and Social Context with Physical ActivityEnjoyment in a Population of Able Bodied Rural Aging Women, Annals of LeisureResearch, 13:1-2, 4-26, DOI: 10.1080/11745398.2010.9686835

To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/11745398.2010.9686835

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE

http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/ranz20

http://www.tandfonline.com/action/showCitFormats?doi=10.1080/11745398.2010.9686835

http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/11745398.2010.9686835

Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of allthe information (the “Content”) contained in the publications on ourplatform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensorsmake no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy,completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinionsand views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views ofthe authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis.The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should beindependently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor andFrancis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings,demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoeveror howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, inrelation to or arising out of the use of the Content.

This article may be used for research, teaching, and private studypurposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution,reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any formto anyone is expressly forbidden. Terms & Conditions of access and use canbe found at http://www.tandfonline.com/page/terms-and-conditions

Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Lau

rent

ian

Uni

vers

ity]

at 1

2:58

09

Oct

ober

201

4

http://www.tandfonline.com/page/terms-and-conditions

4 • ASSoCiATion of LoCATion & SoCiAL ConTExT wiTh PhySiCAL ACTiviTy

The Association of Location and Social Context with Physical Activity Enjoyment in a Population of Able Bodied Rural Aging WomenDaniel S. Theriault, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA

Kindal A. Shores, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA

Stephanie T. West, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, USA

Jill J. Naar, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA

abstract • Collectively, rural aging women experience a physical activity dis-parity compared to younger, male, and urban populations. research suggests that enjoyment of physical activity may function as an antecedent to participation and also as an outcome that can encourage future leisure time physical activity. This study examines how rural women’s choice of leisure time physical activity location and activity companions informs their enjoyment of that physical activ-ity. Weeklong activity diaries were completed by 39 rural-dwelling women aged 50 to 74. of the 528 bouts of physical activity reported, activities undertaken with companions and in public settings were most enjoyable. however, women most frequently participated alone and in their homes. women’s type of physical activity was a significant moderator of their enjoyment in different social groups and environments. The discussion considers leisure providers’ opportunities to empower this subpopulation with neighborhood-proximate park facility place-ment and program design. Avenues for future research, such as site and program preference studies, are also identified.

Key words: women, rural aging, physical activity, diaries, neighbourhood, parks, design

Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Lau

rent

ian

Uni

vers

ity]

at 1

2:58

09

Oct

ober

201

4

ASSOCIATION OF LOCATION & SOCIAL CONTEXT WITH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY • 5

BackgroundThere is strong evidence of positive physical health outcomes of physical activity (PA) in adult populations, such as a reduction in total mortality, as well as primary and secondary prevention of both type 2 diabetes and cardio-vascular disease (Bouchard, 2001; Vogel et al., 2009; Warburton, Nicol, & Bredin, 2006). Unfortunately, several segments of the US population, particu-larly rural older women, are at a high risk of engaging in little to no physical activity during a typical week. In a study of variability in physical inactivity across 51 countries, physical inactivity was generally higher for older rural-dwelling adults than urban, younger adults (Guthold et al., 2008). In the US, the disparity between rural older women’s physical activity levels and their urban counterparts is more pronounced. Research comparing 2912 US women aged 40 years and older found that women in rural regions were sig-nificantly more likely than urban dwellers to be completely inactive during leisure time (Brownson et al., 2000). Similarly, Hageman and others (2005) reported that just 43% of rural women (57.9 years +/- 6 years) achieved mod-erate physical activity levels consistent with US national PA goals.

Several researchers have begun to investigate mechanisms through which the disparity between rural and urban PA may be reduced. Since enjoy-ment both reduces constraints to and promotes PA, enjoyment may be such a mechanism. However, little is known about factors which may promote enjoyment of PA. This study examines social (alone vs. not alone) and physi-cal (home vs. not home) contexts as correlates of enjoyment in rural older women. Figure 1 summarises the known relationships between compan-ionship, activity location, enjoyment, and LTPA participation. The positive, recursive relationship between LTPA participation and enjoyment of LTPA is shown with gray double-headed arrows. Similarly, the relationships between companionship for LTPA and public environments for LTPA with participa-tion are represented with grey double-headed arrows. The subject of the cur-

Figure 1. Relationship of activity location, companionship, enjoyment and LTPA participation

Companionship during LTPA

LTPA in a public setting

Enjoyment of LTPA LTPA participation

Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Lau

rent

ian

Uni

vers

ity]

at 1

2:58

09

Oct

ober

201

4


rent investigation is the relationship of companionship and activity location to enjoyment of LTPA.

DefinitionsThe reader is cautioned that this study is US-centric and that the literature reviewed primarily describes US populations. To clarify our use of key terms in this study, definitions follow:

1. Physical activity: ‘any bodily movement produced by contraction of the skeletal muscle that substantially increases energy expenditure’ (Bouchard, Blair, & Haskell, 2007, p. 19).

2. Older/Aging: these terms are used synonymously and refer to persons and populations above 50 years of age. This cutoff point was used at the request of the funding agency.

3. Rural: according to the US Census Bureau (2002) definition: ‘Rural consists of all territory, population, and housing units located outside of urbanised areas and urban clusters. The rural component contains both place and nonplace territory. Geographic entities, such as census tracts, counties, metropolitan areas, and the territory outside metro-politan areas, often are split between urban and rural territory, and the population and housing units they contain are often partly classified as urban and partly classified as rural.’

4. Urban: according to the US Census Bureau (2002) definition: all terri-tory, population, and housing units located within an urbanised area (UA) or an urban cluster (UC). It delineates UA and UC boundaries to encompass densely settled territory, which consists of: core census block groups or blocks that have a population density of at least 1000 people per square mile and surrounding census blocks that have an overall density of at least 500 people per square mile

Review of literatureRural women face considerable barriers to physical activity (PA). For instance, many women, regardless of rural or urban status, are not raised to be physi-cally active or are socialised according to gender roles which de-emphasise physicality in women (Vrazel, Saunders, & Wilcox, 2008). In the presence of gender role expectations (e.g., sports are for boys) and in the absence of physically active role models, it may be more difficult for women than men to develop active lifestyles (Eyler et al., 2003). Older women often perceive a lack of skill and motivation to be physically active as a result of these gender roles (Eyler et al., 1998). Although many women recognise the benefits of

Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Lau

rent

ian

Uni

vers

ity]

at 1

2:58

09

Oct

ober

201

4

ASSoCiATion of LoCATion & SoCiAL ConTExT wiTh PhySiCAL ACTiviTy • 7

regular PA, women have consistently identified care giving and gender roles as time constraints to their PA (Juarbe et al., 2002).

Decreased mobility and increased incidence of chronic disease are common in older populations and often make PA constraints more difficult to overcome (Rasinaho et al., 2007). In a study of more than 600 community-dwelling older adults, those with severe mobility limitations were more likely to report a fear of exercise, a lack of suitable environments for exercise, and increased sedentary behavior (Rasinaho et al., 2007). Community-dwelling older adults without functional limitations also reported reduced physical activity levels and reported poor physical strength and a lack of confidence for exercise compared to younger peers (Jerome et al., 2006). A study of adults aged 65 and over identified poor health, adverse environments, and simply ‘aging’ as barriers to regular physical activity (Grossman, & Stewart, 2007).

The rural environment creates additional constraints to PA (Reis et al., 2004). For example, rural areas are often less walkable than urban areas. Also, women in rural areas are less likely to report access to PA facilities, sidewalks, and streetlights (Wilcox, Castro, King, Housemann, & Brownson, 2000). Other studies have highlighted rural adults’ reduced access to PA facilities (Kegler, Escoffery, Alcantara, Ballard, & Glanz, 2008) and a lack of public transportation to physical activity sites (Bove, & Olson, 2006). It’s important to note that rural communities also positively influence health and health behaviors. In one study, a sense of community was a stronger predic-tor of perceived health status than individual, family, and family character-istics. Rural communities may foster a sense of belonging and acceptance more readily than urban environments which may function as a correlate of physical activity and other health-related variables (Albrecht, Clarke, & Miller, 1998). Despite this, studies have shown that the rural environment poses significant barriers to PA.

Scholars writing in the leisure constraints literature have also described gender (e.g., Henderson, 1996) and structural (e.g., Crawford, Jackson, & Godbey, 1991) constraints to leisure behavior. In a review of women’s leisure constraints, Henderson (1996) highlighted the importance of gender roles in women’s leisure. That is, women often juggle multiple gender roles each day which leaves little time for personal leisure. Henderson also noted that leisure constraints may be stronger for marginalised women (e.g., socioeconomically disadvantaged women, women of color).

The combination of gender, age, and geographic constraints can offer sig-nificant burdens to achieving a healthy lifestyle for rural aging women. It is important that rural older women remain physically active despite these chal-lenges. With limited access to healthcare (Dwyer, Lee, & Coward, 1990) and

Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Lau

rent

ian

Uni

vers

ity]

at 1

2:58

09

Oct

ober

201

4


an increased incidence of chronic disease, PA may be especially important as a health promotion modality for this population.

Theoretical approachAccording to Henderson and Ainsworth (2002), enjoyment may reduce physical activity constraints and encourage physical activity participation. Following qualitative research with culturally diverse women, Henderson and Ainsworth (2002) proposed the Enjoyment Model for Physical Activity Involvement. In their model, the authors describe how individual factors (i.e., attitudes, knowledge, skills, and perceptions of physical activity) are formed from family and cultural norms. Depending on an individual’s personal his-tory, they may elect to participate in physical activity. Then, the participant’s experience of that physical activity as enjoyable or not enjoyable is applied to determine whether they negotiate constraints to continue participation or ultimately quit that physical activity. Henderson and Ainsworth indicate that these decisions to participate or not participate are couched within the envi-ronmental context and individuals’ enjoyment of physical activity is tied to the physical activity resources available within their community (e.g., facili-ties, the provision of culturally relevant activities).

Enjoyment of Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA)In addition to theoretical linkages, previous empirical study has associated enjoyment with LTPA. For instance, enjoyment has been connected to both PA participation and adherence (King, Taylor, Haskell, & Debusk, 1988). Salmon and associates found that enjoyment was a significant predictor of walking, moderate activity, vigorous activity, and total physical activity among adults (Salmon, Owen, Crawford, Bauman, & Sallis, 2003). Likewise, Dacey and colleagues found that enjoyment levels for women were significantly higher for those who were more physically active (Dacey, Baltzell, & Zaichowsky, 2008). In their study, the authors classified older female participants as either inactive, active, or sustained maintainers of physical activity. Results revealed that among female participants, enjoyment differentiated between respond-ents who were inactive and active among women ages 50 to 79. Participants’ level of PA enjoyment also differentiated between women who were newly active and sustained maintainers in the 70 to 79 age category. A previous study utilised a Delphi consensus to identify relevant determinants of older adults’ physical activity attitudes and behaviors; and enjoyment of PA partici-pation was determined to be a relevant factor for PA maintenance among older adults (van Stralen, Lechner, Mudde, de Vries, & Bolman, in press). Further, a recent review of gender-specific PA correlates concluded that enjoyment is

Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Lau

rent

ian

Uni

vers

ity]

at 1

2:58

09

Oct

ober

201

4


linked with greater PA adherence in female populations (White, Randsell, Vener, & Flohr, 2005).

Based on Henderson and Ainsworth’s Enjoyment Model for Physical Activity Involvement and research on women’s enjoyment, it may be con-cluded that enjoyment operates as a correlate of physical activity participa-tion. However, other research suggests that enjoyment may function as an outcome which in turn supports future LTPA adherence.

Similar to enjoyment, the presence of companions and desirable PA loca-tions have been identified as correlates of women’s physical activity partici-pation. Despite widespread acknowledgement of the relevance of social and environmental contexts to LTPA (Eyler et al., 2002; Ferreira et al., 2007; Frank, Kerr, Sallis, Miles, & Chapman, 2008; Saelens, Sallis, & Frank, 2003), few studies have investigated the role of activity companions and activity location relative to enjoyment. Still fewer studies have focused on correlates of adult women’s LTPA enjoyment. It is important to identify which social and physical contexts best support LTPA enjoyment since correlates can serve to reinforce one another and support participation. The current study exam-ines the relationship of LTPA location, companionship and enjoyment among rural women ages 50 to 74. Existing research informing the relationship of companionship, activity location, and enjoyment of LTPA is summarised next.

Companionship, Enjoyment and LTPASeveral studies have demonstrated that social support is positively correlated with LTPA. Wendel-Vos and colleagues (2007) completed a review of 47 obser-vational studies that investigated potential determinants of PA among adult men and women. Results indicate that social support and having a companion for PA were consistently and strongly associated with PA in different contexts both for leisure and transportation (Wendel-Vos, Droomers, Kremers, Brug, & van Lenthe, 2007). The importance of companionship for LTPA was echoed by women themselves during qualitative research (Huberty et al., 2008). In their qualitative study of women’s long-term exercise adherence to a struc-tured exercise program, Huberty and colleagues identified a need to improve a woman’s ability to access social support as a means to improve LTPA adher-ence. Similarly, focus group research with ethnically diverse women during midlife identified the need for a companion as a key factor for increasing this population’s PA (Lin, Huang, Young, & Chen, 2007).

Some research has indicated that social support may also increase enjoy-ment of LTPA. For instance, Wankel (1993) suggested that social support and companionship for PA (which are known to correlate with PA participation)

Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Lau

rent

ian

Uni

vers

ity]

at 1

2:58

09

Oct

ober

201

4


can also enhance enjoyment of that activity. Among adult diabetes patients, enjoyment was a key factor that differentiated men and women’s PA motiva-tions. Social emotional support from other group members and their pleasure in doing something with others were key factors in women’s enjoyment and participation in PA (Ferrand, Perrin, & Nasarre, 2008). To our knowledge, however, no studies have investigated the link between social context and enjoyment of PA in a population of rural aging women.

Physical Environment and Enjoyment of LTPAA considerable body of research has linked the aesthetic qualities (Ball, Bauman, Leslie, & Owen, 2001; Hoehner, Brennan Ramirez, Elliott, Handy, & Brownson, 2005; Ramirez et al., 2006), location proximity (Kaczynski, Potwarka, Smale, & Havitz, 2009; King et al., 2005; Mowen, Orsega-Smith, Payne, Ainsworth, & Godbey, 2007), and amenities (Cohen et al., 2006; Lee, 2005; Shores & West, 2008) of LTPA sites to physical activity preferences and participation. However, this research stream has not investigated whether participation in specific environments is related to participant enjoyment of those environments.

A divergent line of research in leisure studies has indicated that outdoor environments may facilitate enjoyment and satisfaction better than indoor environments. This research stream has focused on recreational participation in different environments but not on physical activity specifically. A study of young adults in Romania found that the opportunity to ‘enjoy and have fun’ was the primary motivation for engagement in activities outdoors, although situational factors (i.e., aesthetics, safety, weather) moderated these choices (Festeu, 2002). Among older adults, it was also reported that older men and women indicated a preference for leisure activities that were outdoors and social (McGuire, 1985). Among adults age 55 and over, the psychosocial benefits associated with park use in a large urban park in Chicago, Illinois included ‘a sense of immediate pleasure’ and that the park use met both affili-ation and exercise needs (Tinsley, Tinsley, & Croskeys, 2002).

Findings in PA research suggest that activity context is associated with PA participation. Findings in leisure research have indicated that outdoor, public venues offer greater opportunities for activity enjoyment than private, indoor venues. We reason that physical activity undertaken in outdoor settings will be reported as more enjoyable than physical activity undertaken indoors.

Literature Review ConclusionCurrently, it is known that rural women, ages 50 to 74, are at a greater risk of being inactive than most segments of the US population. Several researchers

Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Lau

rent

ian

Uni

vers

ity]

at 1

2:58

09

Oct

ober

201

4


have suggested that enjoyable PA experiences can mitigate this risk to some degree by promoting future PA. Additional research is needed in two key areas relative to enjoyment. First, it is necessary to understand how enjoyment pro-motes PA. That is, is it a mediator or moderator? Second, in order to begin to build a body of practice-based evidence, it is necessary to identify correlates of enjoyment. There is some theoretical rationale and empirical support that social support and the physical context may influence enjoyment of physical activity, but these relationships have not been thoroughly tested.

HypothesesThis study examines the relationship of LTPA location, companionship, and enjoyment among rural women ages 50 to 74. Based on extant literature, this study tests the following hypotheses:

1) Rural women will report greater enjoyment of LTPA when it is under-taken in the presence of companions (vs. LTPA undertaken alone).

2) Rural women will report greater enjoyment of LTPA when it is under-taken outside their residence (vs. LTPA undertaken in their homes).

MethodologyData collectionWomen between the ages of 50 and 74 without a physical or mental disorder who resided in a rural county in the southeastern United States were the population for this study. This population was chosen at the request of the funding agency. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling pro-cedures at local churches and a local business. Interested persons between the ages of 50 and 74 and living within a 15-minute drive of the centre of the county were enrolled in the study. The driving distance requirement was implemented to ensure that the environmental audits, which were completed as part of a larger study in which this project is embedded, were relevant for all participants. All participants were compensated $50 per week of data collection.

The study setting offers 16 community and school parks in the county as well as an activity trail in the primary town. Further, the region has extensive outdoor recreation opportunities and trails at state and federal lands includ-ing trails associated with the North Carolina Blue Ridge Parkway.

Data were collected from PA logs and questionnaires. Each participant (n=39) completed a PA logbook over seven consecutive days. Participants were asked to record the duration, location, intensity, social context, activity type, and enjoyment of any bout of PA. A bout of PA was defined as any con-

Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Lau

rent

ian

Uni

vers

ity]

at 1

2:58

09

Oct

ober

201

4


tinuous physical activity lasting at least 10 minutes. Respondents recorded the start and end time of each bout of physical activity. These responses were used to calculate the duration of each bout of physical activity. Participants also identified the intensity of each bout of physical activity as light, moder-ate, or vigorous. Descriptions of each intensity level were provided in the PA logbooks and follow:

• Light intensity: Non-sedentary activities such as standing, stretching, folding laundry, and a slow walk. Little prolonged exertion is required and no heavy breathing. If you feel that you could hold a conversation or sing a song while doing an activity it is likely to be a light physical activity.

• Moderate intensity: required moderate physical effort and makes you breathe somewhat harder than normal. You would be able to carry on a conversation when you are active at this intensity but would not be able to sing. Examples of such activities are brisk walking, bicycling, raking leaves, and gardening.

• Vigorous intensity: required hard physical effort and makes you breathe much harder than normal. Maintaining an ongoing conversation would be difficult during vigorous physical activity. Examples include jogging, swimming, weight training, basketball.

Two investigators analysed all returned logbooks and developed categories to capture respondents’ social contexts, locations, and activity types. In cases where the investigators disagreed, a discussion was held with a third member of the research team to resolve the disagreement. After coding was completed, all researchers reviewed the coding scheme. The social context, location context, and activity type items were presented as open-ended ques-tions (see Appendix). Social context was described in terms of one of the following categories: alone, one family member, multiple family members, mixed group (e.g., friend and animal or one family member and friend), animal, multiple friends, or friend. Ten locations were identified: home, gym, park, church, neighborhood, work, in town, greenway, trail, and university campus Eleven activity types were identified on participants’ logbooks and included: walking, stretching, biking, housework, gym workout, jogging, yardwork, shopping, pilates/yoga, caregiving, and aerobics. The dependent variable (i.e., enjoyment) was measured on a 7-point Likert-type scale, with response options ranging from low (1) to high (7). Sociodemographic data, including age, education level, and annual household income, were gathered from questionnaires.

Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Lau

rent

ian

Uni

vers

ity]

at 1

2:58

09

Oct

ober

201

4


Analysis planFirst, descriptive statistics provided information on respondents’ character-istics and the frequency, type, location, and social context of their physical activity. Second, T-tests were used to test the study hypotheses. The categories for each independent variable were collapsed to create two new dichotomous variables. The social context variable was dichotomised into alone and with companion(s) while the location variable was dichotomised into home and away from home. Third, a secondary analysis was initiated to test whether activity type demonstrated a moderating relationship with the social context or physical location on LTPA enjoyment.

ResultsParticipants ranged in age from 50 to 73 years. Based on the 2000 US Census age categories, 13 persons were between 50 and 54 years old, 5 were between 55 and 59 years old, 9 between 60 and 64 years old, and 3 were above 65 years of age. Thirty-eight participants identified themselves as Caucasian and 1 subject classified her race/ethnicity as other (i.e., not African American, Latina, or Caucasian). This was similar to the racial and ethnic composition of women in this county (US Census Bureau, 2005–07). Participants were generally well educated, with 29 participants having earned at least a bacca-laureate or associates degree. The majority of participants were employed at least part-time (n=24), 11 were retired and 4 were unemployed. Slightly less than half of the sample (n=18) reported an annual household income of at least $61 000 and the remaining 21 reported an annual household income of $60 000 or less. Participants had higher household incomes and were better educated than people in this area.

Thirty-nine participants reported 528 bouts of physical activity. Bouts ranged in duration from 10 to 300 minutes. The average bout lasted slightly less than one hour (x=57.6 minutes). Approximately 40% of all PA episodes occurred on weekends. Most respondents classified their PA intensity as light (212 bouts) or moderate (242 bouts). Participants identified only 63 bouts or 11.9% of all bouts as vigorous.

The mean enjoyment score for all bouts of PA was 5.0 and the standard deviation was 2.0. As women’s PA intensity increased, their enjoyment also appeared to increase. The mean enjoyment score was 4.9 at light intensity, 5.1 at moderate intensity, and 5.6 at vigorous intensity. Descriptive statistics were also used to examine the relationship between duration and enjoyment. The duration variable was separated into quartiles and mean enjoyment scores were calculated for each quartile. Enjoyment appeared to increase with dura-tion and began to regress at about one hour. The mean enjoyment scores

Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Lau

rent

ian

Uni

vers

ity]

at 1

2:58

09

Oct

ober

201

4

14 • ASSOCIATION OF LOCATION & SOCIAL CONTEXT WITH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

were: a) 1–25 minutes: 4.9; b) 26–45 minutes: 5.1; c) 46–65 minutes: 5.2; and d) 66 minutes and over: 5.2.

As shown in Table 2, the vast majority of PA bouts occurred alone (203 bouts) while participation with one other family member (92 bouts) or in mixed groups (84 bouts) were also common social contexts. Participants rated mixed groups (e.g., a combination of two or more categories such as animal and a friend or one family member and a friend) as the most enjoy-able social context for PA (5.9), although multiple friends (5.8) and multi-ple family members (5.6) were also highly rated. As the number of partici-pants increased (e.g., from alone to single family member to mixed group) it appears that enjoyment also increased.

Table 3 depicts the mean enjoyment score for all PA episodes that occurred at a particular location as well as the number of bouts that occurred at that

Table 1. Sociodemographic characteristics of respondents

Category n (%)Age

49–54 13 (33.3%)55–59 5 (12.8%)60–64 9 (23.1%)65–74 3 (7.7%)Annual household income<$20 000 2 (5.1%)$21 000–$40 000 6 (15.4%)$41 000–$60 000 13 (33.3%)$61 000–$80 000 7 (17.9%)$81 000–$100 000 5 (12.8%)>$100 000 6 (15.4%)EmploymentFull-time 14 (35.9%)Full-time and second job 1 (2.6%)Part-time 9 (23.1%)Retired 11 (28.2%)Unemployed 4 (10.3%)Highest educational attainmentHigh School Graduate 4 (10.3%)Some College 6 (15.4%)College Degree 12 (30.8%)Graduate Degree 17 (43.6%)

Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Lau

rent

ian

Uni

vers

ity]

at 1

2:58

09

Oct

ober

201

4


location. According to the participants’ logbooks, the majority of PA bouts occurred at home (219 bouts) or in their neighborhood (81 bouts). Town infra-structure (73 bouts), work sites (38 bouts), and gyms (36 bouts) were also utilised for PA. Few participants reported an episode of PA that occurred in a park, on a trail, or on a greenway. Mean enjoyment scores by activity location ranged from 4.6 (home) to 6.5 (park). Churches (6.2), trails (6.2), and gyms (5.9) were also rated as highly enjoyable sites. Two of the more common sites for PA, home and in town, were rated as the least enjoyable settings for PA.

Table 2. Rural women’s mean enjoyment ratings of physical activity bouts according to their companionship for the activity

Social Context Mean Enjoyment Number of Bouts (%)

Mixed Group 5.89 84 (15.88)Multiple Friends 5.82 11 (2.08)Multiple Family Members 5.63 43 (8.14)Friend 5.52 43 (8.14)Animal 5.46 29 (5.49)One Family Member 4.90 92 (17.42)Alone 4.58 203 (38.45)

Note: Respondents’ rated enjoyment from 1 to 7 where 1 represented the least enjoyment and 7 was the greatest level of enjoyment.

Table 3. Rural women’s mean enjoyment ratings of their physical activity bouts according to their participation location

Location Mean Enjoyment Number of Bouts (%)

Park 6.47 20 (3.79)Trail 6.20 5 (0.80)Church 6.20 6 (1.14)Gym 5.94 36 (6.82)Work 5.55 38 (7.20)Neighborhood 5.49 81 (15.34)University Campus 5.43 29 (5.49)Greenway 5.42 12 (2.27)In Town 4.89 73 (13.83)Home 4.60 219 (41.48)

Note: Respondents’ rated enjoyment from 1 to 7 where 1 represented the least enjoyment and 7 was the greatest level of enjoyment. D

ownl

oade

d by

[L

aure

ntia

n U

nive

rsity

] at

12:

58 0

9 O

ctob

er 2

014


Hypothesis testingT-tests were used to investigate our hypotheses that enjoyment of PA is greater when undertaken outside the home and in the presence of companions. To begin, social context categories were collapsed into alone and not alone and location categories were collapsed into home or not home. Normality tests (i.e., normal Q-Q plots) revealed no serious threats to the validity of the tests. Each research question was tested four times to capture each PA intensity (i.e., light intensity, moderate intensity, vigorous intensity, and all intensities) since researchers have found that correlates are often differentially associated with PA intensity (Courneya & McAuley, 1994).

We first hypothesised that rural older women would report greater levels of enjoyment when PA was undertaken in the presence of companions. Results of the t-tests indicated that the mean enjoyment ratings differed significantly at light intensity, t(207)=–4.4, p<.01, moderate intensity, t(238)=–2.5, p<.05, vigorous intensity, t(61)=3.2, p<.01, and light-moderate-vigorous (LMV) intensity, t(516)=–5.9, p<.01. Mean enjoyment scores in the two groups (i.e., alone versus not alone) showed that enjoyment was significantly higher when PA was undertaken in the presence of companions. Findings are presented in Table 4.

We also hypothesised that women would report greater enjoyment of PA when it was undertaken outside of the home. T-tests indicated that the means differed significantly at light intensity, t(207)=–2.9, p<.01, moderate intensity, t(127)=–4.2, p<.01, and LMV intensity, t(516)=–6.0, p<.01. The means did not differ significantly at vigorous intensity, t(61)=–1.3, p>.05. Visual inspec-tion of the means (Table 5) indicated that at light, moderate, and LMV inten-sity, enjoyment was significantly higher when PA was undertaken outside of the home.

Secondary analysisTo achieve a more thorough understanding of the role of companions and location for PA enjoyment among rural women, it is important to understand if social context, activity location, and choice of activity interact to mod-erate participants’ enjoyment of physically active leisure. Given the paucity of research that has examined the association of social context and location with PA enjoyment, the combination of these factors with the type of activity is a new avenue for research. A series of least squares regression equations with specified interactions were utilised to test for a potential moderating relationship.

The first equation tested whether social context and activity location dem-onstrated a moderating effect on PA enjoyment at light-moderate-vigorous

Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Lau

rent

ian

Uni

vers

ity]

at 1

2:58

09

Oct

ober

201

4


intensities. Findings indicate that the interaction term (social context x activ-ity location) was significantly associated with women’s enjoyment (F=12.1, p<.01). When participation alone and in the home were coded as the dummy variables, all other PA combinations were significantly more enjoyable. Odds ratios calculated from the standardised beta values indicate that participation with others that occurred in public spaces was 2.1 times more enjoyable that activity bouts alone at home.

Second, whether women enjoyed PA with companions may have been moderated by their activity choice as well as by the social context. Thus, an interaction term including women’s companionship and activity choice was regressed against their reported enjoyment of LMV activity. Eleven activity types were identified on participants’ logbooks and included: walking, stretch-

Table 4. A summary of T-tests comparing rural women’s enjoyment of physical activity alone and with other(s) at four intensities

Statistic Intensity Level

Light Moderate Vigorous LMVt (df ) –4.41 (207) –5.52 (238) –3.21 (61) –5.94 (516)p-value <.01 <.05 <.01 <.01Mean enjoyment(alone)

4.41 4.76 4.77 4.58

Mean enjoyment(with others)

5.40 5.32 6.00 5.44


Table 5. A summary of T-tests comparing rural women’s enjoyment of physical activity at home and away from home at four intensities

Statistic Intensity Level

Light Moderate Vigorous LMVt (df ) –2.87(207) –4.53(238) –1.34(61) –6.01(516)p-value <.01 <.01 >.05 <.01Mean enjoyment (home)

4.64 4.47 5.12 4.60

Mean enjoyment (away from home)

5.30 5.45 5.72 5.46


Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Lau

rent

ian

Uni

vers

ity]

at 1

2:58

09

Oct

ober

201

4


ing, biking, housework, gym workout, jogging, yardwork, shopping, pilates/yoga, caregiving, and aerobics. Given the breadth of regression parameters observed for the 11 activity types, we have only summarised the significant moderating effects. Overall, the interaction term was a significant moderator of women’s physical activity enjoyment (F=8.5, p<.01). When housework, walking, gym participation, and shopping were undertaken with others, they were reported as significantly more enjoyable. No activity was less enjoyable with companions when compared to that same activity undertaken alone.

Last, the interaction between location and women’s activity type was examined. Findings indicate that activity type did significantly interact with activity location to moderate rural women’s enjoyment of physical activity (F=4.6, p<.01). Significant standardised beta values were observed for ‘gym workouts x away from home’, ‘walking x away from home’, and ‘yoga/pilates x away from home’ compared to dummy variables which identified enjoy-ment levels in these activities at home. Again, no activity was less enjoyable at home than in public settings.

Discussion and implicationsAs physical activity patterns adjust in later life, park and recreation research-ers are challenged with understanding factors which may promote physical activity. Armed with this information, leisure professionals may choose to modify their facilities, program offerings, and program structures to increase enjoyment and consequently, increase LTPA levels. As described in the review of literature, studies have shown that enjoyment may promote PA; but less is known about factors that correlate with enjoyment. While some researchers have suggested that social context and location may be correlates of enjoy-ment, these relationships have not been thoroughly tested. This research examined location and social context as correlates of enjoyment in a popula-tion of rural aging women.

Descriptive findings indicate that regardless of a respondent’s choice of activity setting, type, or social context, most women enjoyed their bouts of leisure time physical activity. Most bouts were rated by participants as at least a 5 on a 7-point scale. Since physical activity was considered to be enjoyable by this sample of rural women, increasing LTPA can be considered a viable out-come for leisure service providers charged with providing residents with well-being and fun. However, despite nearly universally high enjoyment scores, several key differences were observed in the course of our investigation.

Findings indicate that while the majority of all bouts of PA occurred alone, participants found activities undertaken with others more enjoyable than activities undertaken alone. This result echoes findings in the physical

Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Lau

rent

ian

Uni

vers

ity]

at 1

2:58

09

Oct

ober

201

4


activity intervention literature that social support is an important correlate of exercise adherence (Cress et al., 2005). Although we may only speculate, it is possible that this finding indicates that women frequently engaged in convenient LTPA (alone, walking a pet) and may have viewed social oppor-tunities for LTPA as a rare treat. Future research should investigate whether high enjoyment scores are maintained as the frequency of participation with friends and family members increases. From a programmatic perspective, activity leaders can increase enjoyment by promoting socialisation and group exercise to increase enjoyment. For example, an exercise class designed to be socially interesting was found to be more enjoyable than a socially bland class (Turner, Rejeski, & Brawley, 1997). Groups size may also be important to consider, as enjoyment increased (on average) as group size increased. It is important to note that no activity was less enjoyable with companions and that no activity was less enjoyable outside of the home.

Results also supported our hypothesis that participants’ enjoyment rat-ings would be higher for bouts that occur outside the home. Prior research has shown that parks and recreation facilities are important physical activity resources for older adults (Orsega-Smith, Mowen, Payne, & Godbey, 2004; Payne, Orsega-Smith, Roy, & Godbey, 2005), but, significantly fewer bouts occurred in parks and recreation settings in this study. The lack of bouts in parks and recreation settings may reflect poor accessibility; since well-lit facilities away from traffic are critical for older adults, particularly those in underserved areas (DiPietro, 2001). A lack of proximity to parks, trails, and greenways may have contributed to the lack of PA reported in parks and on trails and greenways (King, 2001). In our study, nearly half of all bouts of PA in this study occurred in proximate locations: at home or in the partici-pants’ neighborhood. Future research should investigate whether historical ‘neighborhood park’ and ‘roving recreation programs’ may better capture the needs of rural older women. The significant interaction observed for public environment and social context suggests that providing leisure time physical activity opportunities outside the home may allow for greater enjoyment and concurrent social benefits.

This research also explored the role of activity type in rural older women’s enjoyment of PA. Results showed a significant interaction between activ-ity type and both social context and location to differentially impact enjoy-ment. The majority of these impacts occurred with activities that are typically undertaken at a light or moderate intensity such as walking, yoga/pilates, housework, and shopping. This finding corroborates earlier research with older populations (King, 2001), which found that older adults prefer mod-erate and light intensity activity over vigorous intensity activity. However,

Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Lau

rent

ian

Uni

vers

ity]

at 1

2:58

09

Oct

ober

201

4


despite their apparent preference for moderate activity, participants rated vig-orous intensity activity as more enjoyable. It is important to consider that this finding may reflect that ‘more committed’ exercisers are more likely to achieve vigorous activity levels and have reached this intensity because of their enjoyment of PA. While this bears further testing, leisure service provid-ers may consider transitioning seasoned exercisers into more intense physical activity programs so that they may achieve the enhanced health benefits asso-ciated with vigorous exercise. Among this sample; more intense activity was linked to greater enjoyment of LTPA although the direction of this association cannot be determined.

Our results also echo the conclusion of Henderson and Ainsworth that enjoyment of PA is influenced by the physical environment as well as social factors (Henderson & Ainsworth, 2002). However, additional research is required to understand these relationships in greater detail. Qualitative stud-ies may be particularly well suited to gain additional insights into preferred activity types, settings, and social contexts. For example, inquiry into the nature of preferred activities (e.g., intensity, competitive vs. noncompetitive, instructor-led vs. solitary participation) can be used to guide programming decisions. Further, the relationship between social context and activity enjoy-ment can also be examined in greater detail. Among the dyads that may influ-ence enjoyment, their relative contributions to enjoyment should be inves-tigated. For instance, do family members or friends have a greater influence over perceived enjoyment? This question has been examined with respect to physical activity and researchers have reported mixed results.

Henderson and Ainsworth’s research also demonstrated that enjoyment can assist women in their efforts to overcome constraints. This idea raises other important questions for future research such as ‘Is enjoyment only rel-evant for certain constraints?’ and ‘To what degree does enjoyment moderate the prohibitive effects of constraints?’

LimitationsFindings and conclusions should be considered in light of several limita-tions. First, only 39 women participated in the present study. The sample also did not represent the surrounding area well in terms of education and income. The sample was better educated and had a higher household income than the general population of the study area. As such, the generalisability of these findings to the surrounding area is probably limited. Second, the small sample size makes it difficult to present a clear picture of rural aging women’s enjoyment of PA. The reported relationships among location, activity type, social context, and enjoyment should be interpreted with caution for this

Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Lau

rent

ian

Uni

vers

ity]

at 1

2:58

09

Oct

ober

201

4


same reason. It is also important to note that these findings only represent a micro area of the southeastern US and cannot be generalised to the southeast region of the US or the US population in general. Last, the age range of partic-ipants in this study is very wide. PA behavior can vary considerably between a 50-year-old woman and a 74-year-old woman. Future PA studies should continue to consider study populations with narrow age ranges to provide a clearer picture of PA attitudes.

Final thoughtsOn balance, this is one of few studies that has examined PA attitudes in a pop-ulation of rural older women in the US. This population is at a higher risk for several chronic diseases and many women have to contend with cultural and societal norms that reinforce sedentary lifestyles (Eyler et al., 2003). Further, rural areas in the US often have poor access to PA facilities and healthcare (Dwyer et al., 1990). With an eye towards primary prevention, it is there-fore vital that research on the physical activity behavior and preferences (e.g., desire to be physically active) of these populations be continued.

ReferencesAlbrecht, S. L., Clarke, L. L., & Miller, M. K. (1998). Community, family, and race/

ethnic differences in health status in rural areas. Rural Sociology, 63(2), 235–252.Ball, K., Bauman, A., Leslie, E., & Owen, N. (2001). Perceived environmental aesthet-

ics and convenience and company are associated with walking for exercise among Australian adults. Preventive Medicine, 33(5), 434–440.

Bouchard, C. (2001). Physical activity and health: Introduction to the dose-response symposium. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 33(S6), S347–S350.

Bouchard, C., Blair, S.N., Haskell, W.L. (2007). Physical activity and health. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Bove, C. F., & Olson, C. M. (2006). Obesity in low-income rural women: Qualitative insights about physical activity and eating patterns. Women & Health, 44(1), 57–78.

Brownson, R. C., Eyler, A. A., King, A. C., Brown, D. R., Shyu, Y. L., & Sallis, J. F. (2000). Patterns and correlates of physical activity among US women 40 years and older. American Journal of Public Health, 90(2), 264–270.

Cohen, D. A., Ashwood, J. S., Scott, M. M., Overton, A., Evenson, K. R., Staten, L. K., et al. (2006). Public parks and physical activity among adolescent girls. Pediatrics, 118(5), e1381–1389.

Courneya, K. S., & McAuley, E. (1994). Are there different determinants of the fre-quency, intensity, and duration of physical activity? Behavioral Medicine, 20(2), 84–91.

Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Lau

rent

ian

Uni

vers

ity]

at 1

2:58

09

Oct

ober

201

4


Crawford, D. W., Jackson, E. L., & Godbey, G. (1991). A hierarchal model of leisure constraints. Leisure Sciences, 13(4), 309–320.

Cress, E. M., Buchner, D. M., Prohaska, T., Rimmer, J., Brown, M., Macera C.A., et al. (2005). Best practices for physical activity programs and behavior counseling in older adult populations. Journal of Aging & Physical Activity, 13, 61–74.

Dacey, M., Baltzell, A., & Zaichowsky, L. (2008). Older adults’ intrinsic and extrinsic motivation toward physical activity. American Journal of Health Behavior, 32(6), 570–582.

DiPietro, L. (2001). Physical activity in aging: Changes in patterns and their relation-ship to health and function. Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 56A [Special Issue II], 13–22.

Dwyer, J., Lee, G., & Coward, R. (1990). The health status, health services utilization, and support networks of the rural elderly: A decade review. Journal of Rural Health, 6(4), 379–398.

Eyler, A. A., Baker, E. A., Cromer, L., King, A., Brownson, R., & Donatelle, R. J. (1998). Physical activity and minority women: A qualitative study. Health Education and Behavior, 25(5), 640–652.

Eyler, A. A., Matson-Koffman, D., Rohm Young, D., Wilcox, S., Wilbur, J., Thompson, J. L., et al. (2003). Quantitative study of correlates of physical activity in women from diverse racial/ethnic groups: Women’s Cardiovascular Health Network Project introduction and methodology. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 25(3, Suppl. 1), 5–14.

Eyler, A. E., Wilcox, S., Matson-Koffman, D., Evenson, K. R., Sanderson, B., Thompson, J., et al. (2002). Correlates of physical activity among women from diverse racial/ethnic groups. Journal of Women’s Health & Gender-Based Medicine, 11(3), 239–253.

Ferrand, C., Perrin, C., & Nasarre, S. (2008). Motives for regular physical activity in women and men: A qualitative study in French adults with type 2 diabetes, belonging to a patients’ association. Health & Social Care in the Community, 16(5), 511–520.

Ferreira, I., van der Horst, K., Wendel-Vos, W., Kremers, S., van Lenthe, F. J., & Brug, J. (2007). Environmental correlates of physical activity in youth and adults: A review and update. Obesity Reviews, 8, 129–154.

Festeu, D. (2002). Motivational factors that influence students’ participation in out-door activities. Journal of Adventure Education & Outdoor Learning, 2(1), 43–54.

Frank, L. D., Kerr, J., Sallis, J. F., Miles, R., & Chapman, J. (2008). A hierarchy of sociodemographic and environmental correlates of walking and obesity. Preventive Medicine, 47, 172–178.

Grossman, M. D., & Stewart, A. L. (2007). ‘You aren’t going to get better by just sitting around’: Physical activity perceptions, motivations, and barriers in adults 75 years

Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Lau

rent

ian

Uni

vers

ity]

at 1

2:58

09

Oct

ober

201

4


of age or older. American Journal of Geriatric Cardiology, 12(1), 33–37.Guthold, R., Ono, T., Strong, K. L., Chatterji, S., Morabia, A., Guthold, R., et al.

(2008). Worldwide variability in physical inactivity a 51-country survey. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 34(6), 486–494.

Hageman, P.H., Walker, S.N., Pullen, C.H., Boeckner, L.S., Oberdorfer, M.K. (2005). Physical activity and fitness among midlife and older rural women. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 13(3), 327–343.

Henderson, K. A. (1996). One size doesn’t fit all: The meanings of women’s leisure. Journal of Leisure Research, 28(3), 139–154.

Henderson, K. A., & Ainsworth, B. (2002). Enjoyment: A link to physical activity, leisure, and health. Journal of Park & Recreation Administration, 20(4), 130–146.

Hoehner, C. M., Brennan Ramirez, L. K., Elliott, M. B., Handy, S. L., & Brownson, R. C. (2005). Perceived and objective environmental measures and physical activ-ity among urban adults. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 28(2, Suppl. 2), 105–116

Huberty, J. L., Ransdell, L. B., Sidman, C., Flohr, J. A., Shultz, B., Grosshans, O., et al. (2008). Explaining long-term exercise adherence in women who complete a struc-tured exercise program. Research Quarterly for Exercise & Sport, 73(3), 374–384.

Jerome, G. J., Glass, T. A., Mielke, M., Xue, Q. L., Andersen, R. E., Fried, L. P., et al. (2006). Physical activity participation by presence and type of functional deficits in older women: The Women’s Health and Aging Studies. Journals of Gerontology Series A-Biological Sciences & Medical Sciences, 61(11), 1171–1176.

Juarbe, T., Turok, X. P., Perez-Stable, E. J., Juarbe, T., Turok, X. P., & Perez-Stable, E. J. (2002). Perceived benefits and barriers to physical activity among older Latina women. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 24(8), 868–886.

Kaczynski, A. T., Potwarka, L. R., Smale, B. J. A., & Havitz, M. E. (2009). Association of parkland proximity with neighborhood and park-based physical activity: Variations by gender and age. Leisure Sciences, 31(2), 174–191.

Kegler, M. C., Escoffery, C., Alcantara, I., Ballard, D., & Glanz, K. (2008). A qualita-tive examination of home and neighborhood environments for obesity prevention in rural adults. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 5(65), 1186–1196.

King, A., Taylor, B., Haskell, W. L., & Debusk, R. F. (1988). Strategies for increas-ing early adherence to and long term maintenance of home based exercise train-ing in healthy middle aged men and women. American Journal of Cardiology, 61, 628–632.

King, A. C. (2001). Interventions to promote physical activity by older adults. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci, 56A(10), 36–46.

King, W. C., Belle, S. H., Brach, J. S., Simkin-Silverman, L. R., Soska, T., & Kriska, A. M. (2005). Objective measures of neighborhood environment and physical activ-

Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Lau

rent

ian

Uni

vers

ity]

at 1

2:58

09

Oct

ober

201

4


ity in older women. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 28(5), 461–469.Lee, R. E., Booth, K. M., Reese-Smith, J. Y., Regan, G., & Howard, H. H. (2005). The

Physical Activity Resource Assessment (PARA) instrument: Evaluating features, amenities and incivilities of physical activity resources in urban neighborhoods. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 2(1), 13–22.

Lin, Y.-C., Huang, L.-H., Young, H. M., & Chen, Y.-M. (2007). Beliefs about physical activity: Focus group results of Chinese community elderly in Seattle and Taipei. Geriatric Nursing, 28(4), 236–244.

McGuire, F. A. (1985). Constraints on later life. In M. G. Wade (Ed.), Constraints on leisure (pp. 335–353). Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas.

Mowen, A., Orsega-Smith, E., Payne, L., Ainsworth, B., & Godbey, G. (2007). The role of park

proximity and social support in shaping park visitation, physical activity, and perceived health among older adults. Journal of Physical Activity & Health, 4(2), 167–179

Orsega-Smith, E., Mowen, A. J., Payne, L. L., & Godbey, G. (2004). The interaction of stress and park use on psycho-physiological health in older adults. Journal of Leisure Research, 36(2), 232–256.

Payne, L., Orsega-Smith, E., Roy, M., & Godbey, G. C. (2005). Local park use and personal health among older adults: An exploratory study. Journal of Park & Recreation Administration, 23(2), 1–20.

Ramirez, L. K. B., Hoehner, C. M., Brownson, R. C., Cook, R., Orleans, T., Hollander, M., et al. (2006). Indicators of activity-friendly communities: An evidence-based consensus process. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 31(6), 515–524.

Rasinaho, M., Hirvensalo, M., Leinonen, R., Lintunen, T., Rantanen, T., Rasinaho, M., et al. (2007). Motives for and barriers to physical activity among older adults with mobility limitations. Journal of Aging & Physical Activity, 15(1), 90–102.

Reis, J. P., Bowles, H. R., Ainsworth, B. E., Dubose, K. D., Smith, S., & Laditka, J. N. (2004). Nonoccupational physical activity by degree of urbanization and U.S. geo-graphic region. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 36(12), 2093–2098.

Saelens, B. E., Sallis, J. F., & Frank, L. D. (2003). Environmental correlates of walking and cycling: Findings from the transportation, urban design, and planning litera-tures. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 25(2), 80–91.

Salmon, J., Owen, N., Crawford, D. A., Bauman, A., & Sallis, J. (2003). Physical activ-ity and sedentary behavior: A population based study of barriers, enjoyment, and preference. Health Psychology, 22(2), 178–188.

Shores, K. A., & West, S. T. (2008). The relationship between built park environ-ments and physical activity in four park environments. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 14(3), 9–17.

Tinsley, H. E. A., Tinsley, D. J., & Croskeys, C. E. (2002). Park usage, social milieu, and psychosocial benefits of park use reported by older urban park users from four

Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Lau

rent

ian

Uni

vers

ity]

at 1

2:58

09

Oct

ober

201

4


ethnic groups. Leisure Sciences, 24(2), 199–218.Turner, E. E., Rejeski, W. J., & Brawley, L. R. (1997). Psychological benefits of physi-

cal activity are influenced by the social environment. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 19(2), 119–130.

US Census Bureau. (2005–2007). American Community Survey. Retrieved 7 April 2008 from http://www.census.gov/.

US Census Bureau: Geography Division. (2002). Census 2000 urban and rural classi-fication. Retrieved 5 April 2010 from http://www.census.gov/geo/www/ua/ua_2k.html.

van Stralen, M. M., Lechner, L., Mudde, A. N., de Vries, H., & Bolman, C. (2008). Determinants of awareness, initiation, and maintenance of physical activity among the over-fifties: A delphi study. Health Education Research, 25(2), 233–247.

Vogel, T., Brechat, P. H., Leprêtre, P. M., Kaltenbach, G., Berthel, M., & Lonsdorfer, J. (2009). Health benefits of physical activity in older patients: A review. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 63(2), 303.

Vrazel, J., Saunders, R. P., & Wilcox, S. (2008). An overview and proposed framework of social-environmental influences on the physical-activity behavior of women. American Journal of Health Promotion, 23(1), 2–12.

Wankel, L. M. (1993). The importance of enjoyment to adherence and psychological benefits of physical activity. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 24, 151–169

Warburton, D., Nicol, C. W., & Bredin, S. (2006). Health benefits of physical activity: The evidence. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 174(6), 801–809.

Wendel-Vos, W., Droomers, M., Kremers, S., Brug, J., van Lenthe, F. (2008). Potential Environmental determinants of physical activity in adults: A systematic review. Obesity Reviews, 8(5), 425–440.

White, J. L., Randsell, L. B., Vener, J., & Flohr, J. A. (2005). Factors related to physical activity adherence in women: Review and suggestions for future research. Women & Health, 41(4), 123–148.

Wilcox, S., Castro, C., King, A. C., Housemann, R. A., & Brownson, R. C. (2000). Determinants of leisure time physical activity in rural compared with urban older and ethnically diverse women in the United States. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 54(9), 667.

Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Lau

rent

ian

Uni

vers

ity]

at 1

2:58

09

Oct

ober

201

4


AppendixR

ural

Agi

ng W

omen

’s P

hysi

cal A

ctiv

ity E

njoy

men

t

App

endi

x: P

hysi

cal A

ctiv

ity L

ogbo

ok

Pl

ease

rec

ord

all b

outs

of

cont

inuo

us p

hysi

cal a

ctiv

ity la

stin

g at

leas

t 10

min

utes

. I

t co

uld

be e

ither

for

exe

rcis

e or

tra

nspo

rtat

ion.

If

yo

u pa

rtic

ipat

e in

an

activ

ity f

or lo

nger

tha

n 10

min

utes

and

the

n ta

ke a

bre

ak t

hat

last

s lo

nger

tha

n a

coup

le o

f m

inut

es b

efor

e pa

rtic

ipat

ing

agai

n fo

r m

ore

than

10

min

utes

, pl

ease

rec

ord

this

as

two

sepa

rate

bou

ts o

f ac

tivity

.

Star

t

Tim

e En

d Ti

me

Ph

ysic

al

acti

vity

u

nd

erta

ken

Loca

tion

of

acti

vity

W

ho

wer

e yo

u

wit

h?

How

act

ive

wer

e yo

u?

Rat

e yo

ur

enjo

ymen

t 1

(lo

w)

to 7

(h

igh

) Sa

mpl

e 6:

15a

6:5

0a

Wal

k M

y ne

ighb

orho

od

My

dog,

KoK

o L

M

V

5 1.

L

M

V

2.

L

M

V

3.

L

M

V

4.

L

M

V

5.

L

M

V

6.

L

M

V

7.

L

M

V

8

L

M

V

• (L) Light Physical A

ctivity: Non

-‐sedentary activities such as standing, stretching, fo

lding laun

dry and a slow

walk. Little prolon

ged

exertion

is required and no

heavy breathing. If you

feel th

at you

cou

ld hold a conversation

or sing a son

g while doing an activity it is

likely to be a light physical activity.

• (M

) Mod

erate Ph

ysical Activity: Requires mod

erate ph

ysical effort a

nd makes you

breathe som

ewhat h

arder than normal. You

wou

ld be

able to

carry on a conversation

when you are active at this intensity bu

t wou

ld not be able to

sing. Examples of such activities are brisk

walking, bicycling, raking leaves, and

gardening.

• (V) V

igorou

s Ph

ysical Activity: Requires hard physical effort a

nd makes you

breathe much harder th

an normal. M

aintaining an on

going

conversation

wou

ld be difficult d

uring vigorous physical activity. Examples includ

e jogging, swimming, weight training, basketball.

Toda

y I

awok

e an

d pu

t on

my

equi

pmen

t at

___

____

__.

Toda

y I

rem

oved

my

equi

pmen

t an

d w

ent

to s

leep

at

____

____

_.

Toda

y I

spen

t __

____

__ h

ours

wor

king

.

Day

of

the

wee

k ________________

Dat

e ___________________________

Dow

nloa

ded

by [

Lau

rent

ian

Uni

vers

ity]

at 1

2:58

09

Oct

ober

201

4

The Association of Location and Social Context with Physical Activity Enjoyment in a Population of...

Documents

Transcript of The Association of Location and Social Context with Physical Activity Enjoyment in a Population of...