| It is a well-known fact that physical activity improves health and quality of life; physical inactivity has become a major public health burden. Despite overwhelming evidence and efforts by the U.S. government and other national organizations, the number of individuals engaging in regular physical activity has changed very little over the past decade. Limited research has been conducted related to early influences on physical activity.; The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between childhood and adolescent physical activity experiences and current level of physical activity. A secondary purpose of this study was to investigate selected psychosocial factors and their influences on physical activity from childhood through adulthood. To explore these relationships, this study examined participation and enjoyment of physical activity in four venues (physical education classes, organized sports, sport specific lessons, and informal physical activities) at four developmental levels (childhood, early adolescence, middle adolescence, and adolescence). In addition, three psychosocial factors (peer comparison, attitude towards physical activity, and self-perceived ability) were examined for their relationship to physical activity.; Randomly-selected alumni of a large, Midwestern university (n = 419) were surveyed about their enjoyment and participation in physical activity at four developmental levels, psychosocial variables related to physical activity, their current physical activity level, and demographic information. Pearson correlation coefficients were very high among physical activity participation and enjoyment at all developmental levels. Independent t-tests revealed significant gender differences (p < .05) for physical activity participation and enjoyment at all developmental levels.; Multiple regression indicated a linear relationship between physical activity participation, enjoyment and psychosocial variables at each developmental level and adult level of physical activity (R2 = .08–.12) (p < .01). At childhood, total participation score and peer comparison were statistically significant (p < .05) predictors of adult physical activity level. Also, peer comparison at middle adolescence was a statistically significant (p < .05) predictor of adult physical activity level. These results suggest that childhood and adolescent experiences with physical activity play a role in adult physical activity levels. |
