Bridging a gap in the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines through the Development of Youth Self-Regulation

Authors

  • Bryce Barker Ontario Center of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health
  • Tanya Genevieve Halsall University of Ottawa
  • Tanya Forneris University of British Columbia
  • Michelle Fortier University of Ottawa

Keywords:

adolescent, guidelines and recommendations, health promotion, intervention study, physical activity

Abstract

Physical activity guidelines have become a regular part of the discussion in public health, education, and public policy. This paper examines an apparent oversight in the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines: the process by which adolescents develop the ability to self-regulate their physical activity participation. This article examines the PULSE program, a physical activity-based life skills intervention that could be used to assist youth to develop this capacity. A description and preliminary mixed methods evaluation of the PULSE program is provided. Results indicate that PA levels as well as self-regulation skills increased from pre-program to post-program. Furthermore, findings demonstrate that the youth attribute their increased competence to self-regulate PA participation to the experiences they had within the program. Recommendations are presented for facilitating the development of youth self-regulation skills in relation to PA and for the adaptation of the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines.

Author Biography

Tanya Genevieve Halsall, University of Ottawa

Department of Human Kinetics

PhD candidate

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Published

2016-10-24

Issue

Section

Feature Articles / Articles de fond