Evaluating a model of youth physical activity.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the relationship between social influences, self-efficacy, enjoyment, and barriers and physical activity.


METHODS
Structural equation modeling examined relationships between parent and peer support, parent physical activity, individual perceptions, and objectively measured physical activity using accelerometers among a sample of youth aged 10-17 years (N = 720).


RESULTS
Peer support, parent physical activity, and perceived barriers were directly related to youth activity. The proposed model accounted for 14.7% of the variance in physical activity.


CONCLUSIONS
The results demonstrate a need to further explore additional individual, social, and environmental factors that may influence youth's regular participation in physical activity.
Heitzler
Carrie D
CD
University of Minnesota, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, 1300 S Second Street, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA. heitz022@umn.edu
Lytle
Leslie A
LA
Erickson
Darin J
DJ
Barr-Anderson
Daheia
D
Sirard
John R
JR
Story
Mary
M
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008910:Minnesota; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010379:Peer Group; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012931:Social Environment