Young females views on the effects of the 5x60 initiative in increasing physical activity participation.

Abstract

Physical activity has been acknowledged for the positive life long affects on health by reducing the possibility of physical diseases, decreasing blood pressure and cholesterol (Jackson, Marrow, Hill and Dishman, 2004) with benefits to social, psychological and physical health (Robson and Mckenna, 2008). Physical inactivity among females has become a worrying issue in today’s society therefore more emphasis on increasing levels of participation has become important within government policy. Although there is much literature focusing on females physical activity perception, very little is acknowledged to females perceptions of the Welsh initiative ‘5x60’. The 5x60 was designed to create extra curricular activity opportunities for individuals in secondary school to participate (Sport Wales, 2010b). Thus, the purpose of this research was to investigate perceptions of inactive females aged 14-16 concerning physical activity and the 5x60 Seven young females were selected from year 10 and 11 in Ysgol Bryn Elian to participate in semi-structured interviews with a focus upon issues relating to physical activity participation and the 5x60 initiative. Results demonstrated a mixture of perceptions with regards to physical activity levels, benefits and barriers. There was a strong perception among all females that ‘friends’ could either influence or hinder levels of physical activity. However all females expressed similar negative perceptions concerning the effectiveness of the 5x60 initiative and a series of suggestions were made. These included times of the activities and the need for more promotion and information to be provided. It was concluded that females who are not active on a regular basis demonstrated negative perceptions towards the 5x6¬0, suggesting that the 5x60 initiative is not effectively targeting those who are less active within society.