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AbstractThis study explored differences in motivations and barriers for green physical activity (GPA) in a sample of U.S. adults (N = 205). Differences by identity (i.e. gender, sexual identity, disability status, and race/ethnicity) were examined. Participants (33.5 ± 9.2 years, 76.6% female and 7.8% genderqueer/non-conforming, 33.3% LGBTQIA+, 34.1% BIPOC, 10.7% individuals with disabilities) responded to survey measures for motivations/barriers and could provide open-ended motivations/barriers not covered by scales. Genderqueer/non-conforming participants were significantly less motivated by competition/ego, appearance, and others’ expectations (p’s < 0.05). LGBTQIA + participants were overall less motivated to do GPA (p = 0.02). Overall barrier scores were significantly higher for LGBTQIA + participants (p = 0.01) and participants with disabilities (p = 0.02). Qualitative analysis revealed themes outside of the scales for motivators (i.e. GPA integrated into daily life, active citizenship, mental health, and physical activity benefits) and further barriers at all levels (i.e. structural, interpersonal, and intrapersonal). Historically excluded groups’ motivators/barriers should be prioritized in GPA-related campaigns and programming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although physical activity (PA) among adults is associated with health benefits, only one-third of young adults meet PA recommendations. Examining if the type of PA has an impact on individuals' psychological responses may impact future interventions and PA rates among young adults. Aims: This study examined affective and other psychological responses to a class of high intensity interval training (HIIT) or moderate intensity continuous training (MICT). Methods: Participants (n = 41) were active 18-25-year-old college students randomized to participate in HIIT or MICT. HIIT was higher intensity and included more breaks from PA relative to MICT. Both classes were 30-minutes that included a warm-up and cool down. Psychological factors included affect, enjoyment, and exercise-feeling. Results and Conclusions: Participants in the HIIT condition reported lower positive affect and higher physical exhaustion during PA than the MICT condition. However, there was no effect of group assignment on enjoyment, tranquility, positive engagement, and revitalization. This study provides some evidence that HIIT may result in lower levels of positive affect and more exhaustion during PA; however, HIIT does not appear to impact enjoyment. Future studies should examine affect in HIIT relative to MICT through the lens of dual-mode theory over a multi-week intervention. Additionally, HIIT is often discussed as requiring less time relative to traditional workouts while experiencing similar positive health benefits, so future studies should examine affect during HIIT vs. MICT in shorter classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about the physical activity patterns of Somali adolescents. This study compared time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and participation in specific physical activities among Somali, other Non-Hispanic black and white adolescents. Methods: A subsample of 1,268 adolescents (mean age= 14.6) who completed surveys as part of the EAT 2010 (Eating and Activity in Teens) study was included in analyses. Gender-stratified linear and logistic regressions, controlling for body mass index and demographic characteristics, were conducted to estimate mean weekly hours of self-reported MVPA and mean weekly hours and prevalence of engagement in each of 26 physical activities assessed by ethnic/racial group. Results: Somali girls had lower mean MVPA hours than their peers; however, no differences were found for Somali boys. Involvement in most activities was similar for Somali and other groups, but some differences were observed. For example, Somali youth were more likely to play soccer than their same-sex other black peers (boys: 52.4% vs. 20.4%; girls: 34.6% vs. 14.6%; P < .05). Somali girls also engaged in more hours per week of soccer than their black or white peers. Conclusions: Activities for which Somali youth indicated higher involvement may be particularly relevant for culturally-tailored physical activity programming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]