RESEARCH INTO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHILDHOOD PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SUBSEQUENT ADULT ACTIVITY LEVELS AND POSSIBLE CAUSATIONAL FACTORS

Abstract

Engaging in physical activity throughout life is deemed to be highly important where different sporting experiences can inspire prospects for lifelong engagement or in fact disinterest (Green et al., 2005). As I have been personally involved with sport and physical activity from a young age, and continue to participate, this is of particular interest to me. There is considerable evidence to suggest that activity patterns have been found to track over the lifespan, however there are inconsistencies in this research (Taylor et al., 1999; Thompson et al., 2003). Therefore this study aimed to explore not only why some people maintain their physical activity long term while others remain inactive, but also to look at the determinants which are related to changing to a more active or inactive lifestyle (Hirrensalo & Lintunen, 2011). The research study was conducted using survey questionnaires and selected interviews. A total of 110 questionnaires were distributed, of which 97 were returned. The participants consisted of parents and adults associated with a specific trampolining club in South Wales. Based upon the findings, it was immediately evident that a majority of participants had little understanding of the Government guidelines on physical activity. Enjoyment (14.4%) and health (17.5%) were seen as the main determinants for continued physical activity, while the majority of the participants (85.2%) were not only presently active, but had been active as children. Having been an active child was then explored further, demonstrating that one is more likely to go on to do at least the recommended amount of pa (9.9%) compared to not having done pa as a child (6.7%). To conclude, it is suggested that there needs to be a greater emphasis on promoting lifelong participation.