Exploring the reasons why adolescents participate in physical activity and identifying strategies that facilitate their involvement in such activity.
BACKGROUND
Prompted by the dramatic rise in obesity and the decline in physical activity of adolescents aged 11-15 years, this study explored, from the participants' viewpoints, the influences contributing to the engagement of adolescents in physical activities and the strategies facilitating their participation in physical activities.


METHODS
An interpretive qualitative methodology was used involving 13 adolescents in three separate activity-based focus groups.


RESULTS
The findings describe the personal abilities of the participants and the health benefits, psychological, emotional and environmental factors influencing participation in physical activity. Findings endorse the use of supportive, enjoyable and skill-appropriate approaches to physical activity intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
Implications for occupational therapy include promoting physical activities as aspects of occupations to improve the health and well-being of adolescents through engagement in such activities.
Ketteridge
Asha
A
Independent Living Equipment Program, Disability SA, Independent Living Centre, Gillies Plains, South Australia, Australia. asha.ketteridge@internode.on.net
Boshoff
Kobie
K
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D010147:Pain Measurement; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D036301:Qualitative Research; D040241:Social Marketing; D058992:Social Participation; D012938:Social Perception; D012944:Social Support