Adolescents' physical activity and its related cognitive and behavioural processes

The purpose of the study was to examine adolescents' physical activity and identify differences in cognitive and behavioural processes according to the stages of physical activity. Participants were 13 to 18 year old students (n = 851, male = 479, female = 372, mean age = 16.0 years) from 5 junior high and high schools who completed measures of the stages of physical activity and change process. The results indicated that 66.2% of adolescents reported being completely inactive (pre contemplation or contemplation) or undertaking physical activity irregularly (preparation). There were significant differences in the stages of physical activity between sexes; male adolescents were more active than females. In addition, cognitive and behavioural processes were significantly associated with stages of physical activity. Specifically, consciousness raising and environmental re evaluation in the cognitive processes differentiated the stages of physical activity. Meanwhile, all four subconstructs in the behavioural processes continually increased with each subsequent stage. The present study provides convincing evidence that promoting and maintaining physical activity require the practical application of cognitive and behavioural strategies.