Quality of Life Assessment for Physical Activity and Health Promotion

Abstract

Abstract:Despite the clear relationship of physical activity and quality of life (QoL), QoL measures are seldom targeted for physical activity and health promotion. The current research attempted to address that gap by developing a QoL measure based on a conceptual model that reflects positive health and is relevant for physical activity and health promotion programs. In the project, which extended over three phases, an initial 70-item QoL survey was administered to university students and community program participants (total n = 512) along with measures of satisfaction with life and physical activity. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed clear social, emotional, cognitive, physical, spiritual and functional (ADL) QoL factors as well as integrated QoL. The resulting 32-item QoL Survey fits the conceptual model, demonstrates logical relationships with physical activity and has sufficient psychometric properties for use in related research and health promotion programs. physical activity | positive health | assessment | survey development | quality of life Keywords: Article:Professionals and program participants alike cite enhanced quality of life (QoL) as a key benefit of, and motivator for, physical activity. Despite the clear role of QoL in physical activity and health promotion, QoL measures are often conceptually and psychometrically questionable and seldom targeted for health promotion. The ultimate goal of this research is to address that gap by developing a measure of QoL that is reliable, valid and relevant for physical activity and health promotion programs. The specific aims of this study are to develop an initial QoL measure in line with our conceptual framework, examine its structure and psychometric properties, and provide a measure of QoL for use in research and programs that emphasize and monitor QoL to promote lifestyle physical activity and positive health.

Polish Version of the Neighbourhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS-Poland)

“…Numerous studies in environmental psychology have suggested a relationship between a neighbourhood’s characteristics and emotions, wellbeing and quality of life, and recent research has shown a link between walkability, the arrangement of space and a sense of the quality of life [22,26,27]. In addition, easy access to convenient public transportation and to cultural and leisure amenities also promotes happiness [28].…”

Physical Activity and Quality of Life

“…Precise definitions and sound conceptual models of QoL are rare, and measures are varied. Before beginning our larger project, we reviewed the published research on PA and QoL from 2001 to 2005 to identify the current models and measures [8]. None of the 60 studies on PA/exercise and QoL explicitly cited any QoL conceptual models and the measures varied widely.…”

“…For example, Hsieh [11] found that perceived health was not the most important factor in QoL. Similarly, we are interested in participants' views of QoL without limiting those perceptions to health outcomes; we have provided a more detailed explanation and review in our earlier report [12]. …”

“…In addition to the themes of positive health and multidimensionality, we add that QoL is an integrative or holistic construct, and based on subjective evaluations or perceptions. Thus, in the earlier stages of our research [12], we began with a working definition of QoL that reflects positive health; quality of life is a subjective, multidimensional, integrative construct that reflects optimal well-being and positive health.…”

“…Gill et al [12] also developed a working model to guide the development of our measure (Figure 1). That model envisions the domains of social, physical, cognitive, emotional and spiritual well-being all contributing to an integrative QoL.…”