Impact of Physical Activity on Exercise Perceptions and Physical Self in Adults

Overview

The purpose of this observational study was to investigate whether the perceived benefits/barriers of exercise and physical self-perception of healthy adults with different physical activity levels differ. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Do healthy adults with different physical activity levels have different perceptions of exercise benefits/barriers? 2. Are there differences in physical self-perception of healthy adults with different physical activity levels? After being asked about their demographic information, healthy adults answered questions from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Perception of Exercise Benefits/Barriers Questionnaire, and the Physical Self-perception Questionnaire.

The sample size of the study was calculated as 384 with a power of 95% and a margin of error of 0.05. Individuals over the age of 18, who volunteer to participate in the study, accept the consent form, and can use a computer and/or mobile phone will participate in the study. The study will be conducted by filling out an online form using social media, e-mail, and other communication channels due to the social isolation process. Individuals will be asked questions such as age, gender, height, weight, marital status, whether they are employed, their profession, educational status, and exercise habits as stated in the socio-demographic information form. The International Physical Activity Survey Short Form (IPAC) presented in the appendix will be used for the activities of individuals. Physical Activity level is determined in 3 categories; Category I: Inactive ones: \<600 MET-min/wk Category II: Minimum Active: \>600 - 3000 MET-min/wk Category III: HEPA active ones: \<3000 MET-min/wk Individuals' perceptions of exercise benefits/barriers will be assessed with the Exercise Benefit/Barrier Scale. The scale consists of a total of 43 items. The scale has 4 answers in the conditioned-choice Likert scale format, from 4 (strongly agree) to 1 (strongly disagree). The total score of the scale varies between 43-172. The scale has two subgroups, the Exercise Barrier Scale and the Exercise Benefit Scale. Each subgroup can be used independently. The score range of the benefit scale is between 29-116, and the score range of the barrier scale is between 14-56. The sum of all items in the scale gives the total score of the Exercise Benefit/Barrier scale. The higher the total scale score, the more the individual understands the benefits of exercise. The validity and reliability of this scale in Turkey was performed by Ortabağ, Ceylan, Akyüz and Bebiş. The self-perception inventory will be used for individuals' self-perception. The inventory, which measures the person's 4 sub-dimensions (Athletic competence, physical condition, body attractiveness, strength) and general physical competence, consists of a total of 30 items, each sub-scale containing 6 items. The adaptation study of this inventory to Turkey was conducted by Aşçı and colleagues. For each item, the inventory presents the person with statements describing two different people and asks the person to determine the degree to which they resemble each of them. After first deciding which of the two different groups of people they resemble the most, the person grades this similarity using the expressions "Just right for me" or "Quite right for me". Scoring and calculation of the self-perception inventory; the items are scored between 1 and 4. "4" represents high competence, and "1" represents low competence. The inventory gives scores ranging from 6 to 24 in 5 different dimensions of physical perception.