Antecedents of lifelong physical activity and the effects of lifestyle intervention and physical activity on psychological well-being
Year: 2017
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Physical activity’s benefits for well-being are widely known, but the prevalence of physical inactivity is high. The information concerning the antecedents of lifelong physical activity is lacking. The association between lifelong physical activity and psychological well-being also needs further studying. Moreover, there exists no evidence whether long-term lifestyle interventions containing physical activity counseling have psychologically beneficial effects. This thesis examined the childhood antecedents of lifelong physical activity (Studies I-II), the association between physical activity and depressive symptoms (Study III), and whether a 20-year intensive lifestyle intervention contributed to psychological well-being (Study IV). The participants were from the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study (CRYFS) (Studies I-III), and from the Prospective, Randomized Trial of Atherosclerosis Prevention in Childhood Project (STRIP) (Study IV). Self-report questions and questionnaires were used in the studies. Studies I-IV were analysed using correlation tests, regression and variance analyses. Linear growth curve modeling, linear mixed modeling, and latent class growth analysis were were applied within studies I-III. The results from the Study I indicated that high temperamental activity in childhood may contribute to the development of physically inactive lifestyle. Study II indicated that higher levels of parents’ physical activity were associated with increased physical activity in offspring from childhood to middle age. Study III identified three distinct physical activity trajectory groups: the lightly, moderately, and highly physically active ones. Highly physically active participants had lower levels of depressive symptoms in adulthood compared with lightly physically active ones. The study also showed that lifelong physical activity did not contribute to depressive symptoms to a greater degree than adulthood physical activity. Adjustment for previous symptoms of depression attenuated the associations. Study IV showed no association between a 20-year, intensive lifestyle counseling and psychological well-being in adult age. This thesis provides information that might benefit professionals in tailoring, timing and targeting physical activity promotion actions and interventions aiming at improving community well-being.
Source: Työväentutkimus Vuosikirja
Author: Kaisa Kaseva
Language: English
Topic: Physical Activity and Health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: American Heart Association
OpenAlex ID: W2766371976