A prospective study of the determinants of physical activity in rural fifth-grade children.
BACKGROUND
Understanding the factors that influence physical activity behavior is important in the design of intervention programs targeted at youth.


METHODS
A prospective study design was used to identify the predictors of vigorous physical activity (VPA) (> or = 6 METs) and moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (> or = 3 METs) among 202 rural, predominantly African-American children. Selected social-cognitive determinants of physical activity were assessed via questionnaire in the fifth grade. Participation in VPA and MVPA was assessed via the previous day physical activity recall 1 year later in the sixth grade.


RESULTS
For girls, participation in community sports, self-efficacy in overcoming barriers, enjoyment of school physical education, race (white > black), and perception of mother's activity level (active vs inactive) were significant predictors of VPA. For MVPA, participation in community sports and self-efficacy in overcoming barriers were significant predictors. For boys, self-efficacy in overcoming barriers was the only significant predictor of VPA, while beliefs regarding activity outcomes and participation in community sports were significant predictors of MVPA.


CONCLUSIONS
Social-cognitive constructs such as physical activity self-efficacy, access to community physical activity outlets, and positive beliefs regarding physical activity outcomes are important predictors of future physical activity behavior among rural, predominantly African-American children.
Trost
S G
SG
Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Columbia 29208, USA.
Pate
R R
RR
Saunders
R
R
Ward
D S
DS
Dowda
M
M
Felton
G
G
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015984:Causality; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012423:Rural Health; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012737:Sex Factors; D012931:Social Environment; D013022:South Carolina; D013177:Sports / Q000523:psychology*