Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
Identifying factors associated with regular physical activity in leisure time among Canadian adolescents
Gaston Godin1, Donna Anderson, Léo-Daniel Lambert
1Canada Research Chair on Behavior and Health, Faculty of Nursing, Laval University, Québec, Canada.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to identify the factors explaining regular physical activity among Canadian adolescents.
Design:
A cohort study conducted over a period of 2 years.
Setting:
A French-language high school located near Québec City.
Subjects:
A cohort of 740 students (352 girls; 388 boys) aged 13.3 +/- 1.0 years at baseline.
Measures:
Psychosocial, life context, profile, and sociodemographic variables were assessed at baseline and 1 and 2 years after baseline. Exercising almost every day during leisure time at each measurement time was the dependent variable.
Results:
The Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) analysis indicated that exercising almost every day was significantly associated with a high intention to exercise (odds ratio [OR]: 8.33, confidence interval [CI] 95%: 5.26, 13.18), being satisfied with the activity practiced (OR: 2.07, CI 95%: 1.27, 3.38), perceived descriptive norm (OR: 1.82, CI 95%: 1.41, 2.35), being a boy (OR: 1.83, CI 95%: 1.37, 2.46), practicing "competitive" activities (OR: 1.80, CI 95%: 1.37, 2.36), eating a healthy breakfast (OR: 1.68, CI 95%: 1.09, 2.60), and normative beliefs (OR: 1.48, CI 95%: 1.14, 1.90). Specific GEE analysis for gender indicated slight but significant differences.
Conclusions:
This study provides evidence for the need to design interventions that are gender specific and that focus on increasing intention to exercise regularly.
Related Concept Videos
Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth. This guiding role...
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Factors Influencing Heart Rate
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...
