title: Evaluating the youth physical activity promotion model among Portuguese elementary schoolchildren.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Youth Physical Activity Promotion (YPAP) model provides an integrated approach to understanding the predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors influencing physical activity (PA) behavior. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an adapted version of the YPAP model for explaining PA among Portuguese schoolchildren.
  
  
  METHODS
  A random cross-sectional sample of 683 children (8-10 years of age) attending elementary public schools in the north of Portugal completed a detailed survey assessing attraction to PA, perceived physical competence, parental influences and leisure time PA. Structural equation modeling techniques were conducted (EQS6.1).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Attraction to PA was directly associated with children's PA participation (β = 0.271, P < .05). Perceived physical competence imposed an indirect effect on children's PA through children's attraction to PA (β = 0.253, P < .05). Parental influence had an indirect effect on children's PA through perceived physical competence and attraction to PA (β = 0.318 and 0.662, respectively, P < .05). Perceived physical competence and parental influence were not directly associated with children's PA (β = 0.069 and 0.180, respectively, P > .05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The adapted version of YPAP model was useful in explaining PA participation in elementary Portuguese schoolchildren. Intervention programs intended to enhance attraction to PA, perceived physical competence and favorable parental influence should be developed to promote children's PA participation.
authors.affiliation: Dept of Research, Education, Innovation, and Intervention in Sport CIFI2D, Faculty of Sports, University of Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Ana C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Seabra
authors.forename: José
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Maia
authors.forename: André F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Seabra
authors.forename: Greg
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Welk
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Brustad
authors.forename: António M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Fonseca
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D011174:Portugal; D012572:School Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D012574:Schools