european college of sport science

Saturday, June 27th, 2009
except for sit-and-reach test were positively correlated with TEE, TEE/wt, PAEE, PAEE/wt, and PAL. The PAEE/wt was most strongly correlated
with overall physical fitness score (r = 0.680, p < 0.01).
Discussion: In this study, the significant negative correlation between body fatness and energy expenditure adjusted individual body size
suggests that increasing energy expenditure is important for preventing obesity. Participants who were physically active showed high
physical fitness scores. This result indicates that physical fitness tests may predict physical activity in children. It was suggested that physically
active lifestyle would be necessary for childhood health.
References
Health Promotion and Nutrition Division-Health Service Bureau Ministry of Health and Welfare. (1995). Recommended Dietary Allowances
for Japanese.
TARGETED CAMPAIGN FOR MIDDLE-AGED MEN: THE ESSENTIAL ROLE OF RECRUITMENT
KINNUNEN, L., KOMULAINEN, J., SAARENTOLA, K., LÄHDESMÄKI, A., KAIVOSAARI, A.P., HAVAS, E.
LIKES RESEARCH CENTER FOR SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCES
Introduction: The Fit for Life Program (KKI) inspires adults over 40 years of age to include physical activity in their daily routine. KKI planned
and organized the Adventures of Joe Finn campaign to encourage sedentary Finnish middle-aged men to a healthy life-style. The campaign
included a handbook of keeping fit, a website, physical training courses, combined courses on cooking and experimentation of
different sports and, finally, the national Lorry Tour. The main partner of KKI was Etera Mutual Pension Insurance Company, which traditionally
insures employees in branches dominated by men such as building trade. Among these men the risk of premature retirement
due to disability is relatively high. It a great matter in which way then working class men could be recruited to health-enhancing programs.
Methods: Each Lorry Tour event took place at the market square being easily accessible. At KKI field lab the men (altogether 6100) had the
test for the heart rate variation at rest, the hand compression force and body composition. There were 14 national cooperation partners
offering additional health related information, material, advice and tests. Socio-economic status of men was verified by questionnaires.
Results: A magnificent amount of men (51 %) who participated in the Lorry Tours of the Joe Finn Campaign were working class employees
of construction industry. These men received an invitation for the event from their employers, and they were allowed to attempt the event
during their working hours. The men were slightly overweight having visceral fat too much and were strong enough.
Discussion: With regard to elements of targeted campaigns the following messages are important: 1) a low threshold to start exercise, 2)
several advantages offered by sports and even minor physical activity is worthwhile and 3) the fun and adventure-aspect is emphasized
rather than health aspects. The campaign managed to get targeted group into the events. The use of pension insurance company as a
recruit tool was successful. Altogether, The Joe Finn campaign got ahold of planned population.
14:15 - 15:15
Poster presentations
PP-HF14 Health and Fitness 14
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SPORT PARTICIPATION. A GENDER STUDY ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES AND THE INFLUENCE OF
THE NEIGHBOURHOOD ENVIRONMENT
SILVA, P.,,3, BOTELHO-GOMES, P.,3, NOVAIS, C., PEREIRA, M., SANTOS, M.P.,2
1. UNIVERSITY OF PORTO - FACULTY OF SPORT
Introduction: Environmental factors may have an important influence on physical activity, but only recently have health researchers become
interested in the environmental correlates of physical activity among adolescents. Several studies suggest that the decline of physical
activity levels is more evident during adolescence, specially among girls, but little research has examined reasons for differences
between boys and girls in commitments with physical activities and sports participation. The purposes of this study are to explore the
potential presence of gender issues in the link between perceived neighbourhood environment and physical activity, and to verify the
different opportunities for sport participation according to gender.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 54 adolescents from Porto (Portugal). Questions focused on boys and girls
perceptions of neighbourhood environment in relation with sports and physical activity participation. All interviews were audio-recorded
and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using content analysis after data being processed by the program QSRNVivo7.
Results: Participants reported that neighbourhood environment have to be pleasant and safe to promote participation in leisure-time
physical activities. Moreover, adolescents that reported regular sports participation considered the quality of facilities and equipment
available in the neighbourhood as a facilitator/inhibitor for physical activities. Adolescents also generate ideas about the existence of
more opportunities for physical activity within the neighbourhood for boys, but the reasons pointed out by boys and girls were different.
While girls reported a lack of opportunities for physical activity participation, boys considered that girls are less interested in sports and
physical activity. Nonetheless, boys indicated that, when interested in physical activity and sports, girls might choose “female activities”.
Conclusion: This study suggests the presence of gender difference in opportunities for sports and physical activity participation in the
neighbourhood. Gender issues are related to adolescents’ perceptions and with local community availability of physical activity programs
and facilities.
This study was supported by grant FCT/PTDC/DES/72160/2006.
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