Physical activity among Latino children in London, Ontario: An assessment of physical activity levels, sedentary behaviours, and physical activity-related barriers and facilitators

Author

Gillian E. Mandich, The University of Western OntarioFollow

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Supervisor

Dr. Shauna Burke

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the physical activity (PA) levels, sedentary behaviours, and PA-related barriers and facilitators of a sample of Latino children in London, Canada. Forty boys and 34 girls (mean age = 11.4 years) completed questionnaires related to PA levels, sedentary behaviours, and PA-related barriers and facilitators, and 64 of these children wore an accelerometer for 4 consecutive days. Children spent an average of 53 minutes per day in moderate-to-vigorous PA. The average daily sedentary time for participants was 8.6 hours, and subjective measures revealed that participants spent 3.8 hours per day in front of screens. Participants identified a number of barriers to PA, including environmental factors, a lack of resources, reduced opportunities for PA, a lack of motivation, and a lack of time. PA-related facilitators included motivation, opportunities for skill development, social support, and physical fitness goals.

Recommended Citation

Mandich, Gillian E., "Physical activity among Latino children in London, Ontario: An assessment of physical activity levels, sedentary behaviours, and physical activity-related barriers and facilitators" (2012). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 512.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/512