Year: 2016
Type: dissertation
Abstract: : Background: The benefits from physical activity behaviour are well argued in existing research, yet, a non-desirable decrease in physical activity-levels appears to take place in the group of 19-year olds. The Ministry of Health and Care Service states that the main challenge is to increase the group’s level to meet the requirements for physical activity (PA), while at the same time reduce sedentary behaviours. During the compulsory military service in The Norwegian Armed Forces, fitness is emphasized for a large number of 19-year-old men and women. Aim: The present study aimed to explore young male Norwegian recruits’ attitudes toward PA as well as how these attitudes are affected by the military recruit period. Changes in their attitudes toward PA were explored in relation to changes in their physical condition (aerobic capacity). Method: Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with eight 19-year-old military recruits one month after completing the recruit period. Results and conclusion: The military recruit period appeared to be experienced as a setting where attitudes toward PA are under influence from significant others (fellow recruits and officers). Facilitation for PA was also reported as an attractive factor to PA, along with their perceptions of mastery in PA increased during the recruit period. However, limited time and low energy levels are experienced as obstacles for PA behaviour. Furthermore, enjoyment in PA appeared to relate with changes in the recruits physical performance; recruits with a decrease in aerobic capacity experience less joy, while recruits who improved, experienced increased enjoyment from PA. Lastly, increased levels of PA appeared to associate with improved physical performance. These findings are discussed in relation to the existing literature and their implications are interpreted with regard to public health in Norway. Key word: military recruits, attitudes, physical activity, TPB- model, public health
Author: Trym Hals Gurigard
Language: English
Topic: Physical Activity and Health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2494019447