A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY OF THE DETERMINANTS OF PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY IN RURAL5TH-GRADE CHILDREN

Background. Understanding the factors that influence physical activity behavior is important in the design of intervention programs targeted at youth. Methods. A prospective study design was used to identify th e predictors of vigorous physical activity (VPA) (greater than or equa l to 6 METs) and moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (great er than or equal to 3 METs) among 202 rural, predominantly African-Ame rican children. Selected social-cognitive determinants of physical act ivity were assessed via questionnaire in the fifth grade. Participatio n in VPA and MVPA was assessed via the previous day physical activity recall 1 year later in the sixth grade. Results. For girls, participat ion in community sports, self-efficacy in overcoming barriers, enjoyme nt of school physical education, race (white > black), and perception of mother's activity level (active vs inactive) were significant predi ctors of VPA. For MVPA, participation in community sports and self-eff icacy in overcoming barriers were significant predictors. For boys, se lf-efficacy in overcoming barriers was the only significant predictor of VPA, while beliefs regarding activity outcomes and participation in community sports were significant predictors of MVPA. Conclusion. Soc ial-cognitive constructs such as physical activity self-efficacy, acce ss to community physical activity outlets, and positive beliefs regard ing physical activity outcomes are important predictors of future phys ical activity behavior among rural, predominantly African-American chi ldren. (C) 1997 Academic Press.