Assessing the Perceived Environment among Minimally Active Adolescent Girls: Validity and Relations to Physical Activity Outcomes

Abstract

Purpose.

This study examined how adolescents' perceptions of exercise resources in the environment relate to physical activity outcomes.

Methods.

Perceptions of the availability and use of environmental resources, vigorous physical activity (VIG), daily energy expenditure (KCAL), lifestyle activities (LA), and cardiovascular fitness (V̇O₂peak) were assessed cross-sectionally among 87 minimally active adolescent girls (ages 14–17). To validate adolescent reports, the perceived availability of environmental resources was also assessed from 47 parents.

Results.

Adolescent-parent agreement over the availability of resources was modest for the home domain (r = .62, p < .001) and weak for the community domain (r = .14, p > .05). Adolescents' perceptions of resource availability in both the home and community domains were positively associated with V̇O₂peak (p < .05) but unrelated to VIG, KCAL, and LA. Adolescents' use of home resources was positively correlated with both VIG and LA (p < .05).

Conclusion.

Minimally active adolescent girls were more attuned to and likely to use the resources for physical activity located in their home environment as opposed to the community environment.