Improving youth physical, mental and social health through physical activity : a systematic literature review
- Authors: Kemel, Paul , Porter, Joanne , Coombs, Nicole
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Health Promotion Journal of Australia Vol. 33, no. 3 (2022), p. 590-601
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Across various parts of the world there is an increasing trend in adolescent and young adult physical inactivity, which has been linked to a multitude of illnesses throughout the lifespan. To further understand the link between physical inactivity and illness, it is important to determine the effect that physical activity has various components of wellbeing. The primary aim of this review was to compile and synthesise the recent evidence on physical activity and its effect on physical, mental and social wellbeing across younger populations. The secondary aim was to determine whether there is relationship between the amount, type and intensity of exercise, and changes in wellbeing outcomes. Methods: Main databases were searched using MeSH terms for the population of interest (young adult, adolescent), intervention (physical activity) and outcome (wellbeing). Upon screening papers of eligibility, quality appraisal was completed through the Critical Appraisals Skills Programme (CASP). Results: Nineteen studies were included in this review. The majority of studies found an associated link between the participation of physical activity and improvements in physical, mental and social wellbeing outcomes. There was evidence to suggest that lower levels of physical intensity produced similar results in mental and social outcomes when compared to higher levels of physical intensity. Conclusion: This review supports the encouragement of adolescent and young adult physical activity, noting the improvements seen across the physical, mental and social wellbeing outcomes. Future research is still required to further understand the benefits of lower intensity exercise within the adolescent and young adult population. © 2021 Australian Health Promotion Association.
The potential barriers and benefits of an online physical activity program during the COVID-19 restrictions : Latrobe Virtual Streetgames. A Qualitative Study
- Authors: Kemel, Paul , Porter, Joanne , Coombs, Nicole
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: American Journal of Health Education Vol. 54, no. 1 (2023), p. 29-37
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: COVID-19 saw the global reduction of many physical activity programs. To maintain engagement, many programs adjusted their delivery to online formats. Purpose: To explore the impact that a youth targeted virtual community exercise program had on its participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Seven participants of Virtual Streetgames took part in a semi-structured one-on-one interview, with questions around the impact of COVID-19, in addition to their view on the virtual program. Results: Three major themes were identified. “Dawning of a new world” described the changes that occurred due to the pandemic. “Traveling together” identified the difficultly to maintain regular wellbeing activities. “Making a difference” contextualized how the virtual delivery was able to influence participants. Discussion: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the participants physical, mental and social health. The use of an online physical activity program had some positive impacts on health, however it did not seem to warrant the same level of engagement when compared to face-to-face. Translation to Health Education Practice: The study helped identify those who are at risk of both short and long-term health impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it provided information on how virtual innovative interventions can influence wellbeing outcomes. A AJHE Self-Study quiz is online for this article via the SHAPE America Online Institute (SAOI) http://portal.shapeamerica.org/trn-Webinars. © 2022 SHAPE America.