"When You Move You Have Fun". Perceived barriers, and facilitators of physical activity from a child's perspective

Mini-Oral Presentation B1.3

Authors

  • Sarah Nally Ulster University
  • Nicola D. Ridgers Deakin University
  • Angela Carlin Ulster University
  • Alison M. Gallagher Ulster University
  • Jo Salmon Deakin University
  • Marie H. Murphy Ulster University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.592

Keywords:

Children, Health, Physical Activity, Qualitative, School

Abstract

Background: In Northern Ireland (NI), many children do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity (PA). To reduce the prevalence of physical inactivity and associated conditions, it is important that the influences on children’s PA are better understood. Purpose: To examine the current views, barriers, facilitators, experiences, and perceptions of children in relation to PA in the classroom, school, and home environment. Methods: Focus groups (n=10) and write and draw tasks were conducted with 7- to 9-year-old children (n=50) in six primary schools across NI. Groups were semi-structured using photo-based activities to initiate discussion. All were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically. Mixed-method analysis was used using pen profiles and the use of verbatim quotations. Pen profiles were constructed from the transcripts in a deductive manner and represent key emergent themes. Results: Results indicated that children’s perception of PA was mainly structured and sport-based, several referred to fun, play and health. Children focused on the activity and sport they like as to why they like activity. Barriers included peer influence, limited space, lack of time, and school policies. Facilitators identified were incentives, structured activities, technology, and teacher influence. Conclusions: Findings contribute to a more detailed understanding of children’s perceptions of context specific physical activity, the participation barriers they face, in addition to factors that support them to lead a physically active lifestyle may inform future PA promotion strategies. Funding: This work was funded by Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke, Belfast, UK.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Nally, S., Ridgers, N., Carlin, A., Gallagher, A., Salmon, J., & Murphy, M. (2021). "When You Move You Have Fun". Perceived barriers, and facilitators of physical activity from a child’s perspective: Mini-Oral Presentation B1.3. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.592