Multi-Dimensional Interacting Constraints on Physical Activity Behaviours in the Finnish Population

Abstract

Physical activity constraints in Finland 2(18) Key PointsDespite having extensive sports facilities and physical activity recommendations physical activity levels are declining in Finland.The most dramatic decrease in physical activity within the Finnish population occurs around puberty, where girls become less active than boys.One of the possible reasons for increased inactivity may be that the design of built environments does not consider psychological or social affordances for physical activity. AbstractFinnish sports organisations, local and federal government and healthcare organisations have widely adopted World Health Organization's and national recommendations for physical activity for different age groups. However, studies have indicated that only 46 % of 3-year-old preschool children, approximately 50% of primary school students (7-12 years), 10 -17% of secondary school students (13-15 years) and 16 % of Finnish adults (20-54 years old) attain those recommendations.In Finland there are 33 620 built sports facilities and over 9 000 sport clubs so there are many possibilities for physical activity, yet people are still rather inactive. In this paper we argue that availability of facilities, although they are an important element, is not enough to promote physical activity. It is possible that current built physical environmental design do not fulfil people's' motives to participate in physical activity. More emphasis should be paid into the design and operation of the facilities to develop new affordances for physical activity.. 3(18) Physical activity constraints in Finland

Development and Validation of a Survey Instrument to Build Capacity for Examining Constraints to Sport Participation

“…This change still allows objective measures related to proximity to facilities and access to transportation and walking paths. This is relevant because research has shown that the availability of facilities to practice sport is a constraint to participation for some adolescents [5,37,38]. Finally, one question pertaining to the task constraint of perseverance was reworded for clarity and to reflect the purpose of the study at the suggestion of two experts.…”

“…Recent findings also suggest that analysis of constraints to sport participation at the community level is needed to inform long term planning initiatives to increase participation [4]. This is because constraints to sport participation have been shown to vary across geographical regions due to variability in provision of resources [5][6][7], and geographical variations in socioeconomic status [4,8]. As a result, it is important to examine constraints to sport participation in order to address the challenges faced among female populations and promote overall participation in sport.…”

Young athletes’ health knowledge system: Qualitative analysis of health learning processes in adolescent sportspersons

“…In response, both governmental and nongovernmental organizations have instituted programs to promote health through sports and physical activity. In the Scandinavian countries, participation in organized sports draws up to half of the child and adolescent population aged 10‐16 years . However, lifestyle‐related challenges, such as total cigarette and snuff tobacco use, have reported to remain the same for sports club participants as for nonparticipants .…”