Optimising girls' physical activity levels in organised youth sports

Abstract

Participation in organised youth sport (OYS) is positively associated with an increased likelihood of complying with national physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines. Considering many youth are not meeting recommended daily physical activity guidelines, in particular girls, OYS participation may have substantial public health implications. The primary aim of this PhD thesis was to investigate mechanisms by which to improve the proportion of time players spent in MVPA during OYS. The secondary aims of this PhD thesis were to test methods to reduce the proportion of time players spent inactive during OYS and to understand coaches' perceptions of themselves as being influential on players' physical activity in OYS. Hypothesised variables that may have mediated the effect of a coach-based intervention on players' MVPA and inactivity were also investigated. A series of four studies was conducted to achieve these aims.

Date of Award	2014
Original language	English