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

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.