PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OF THE ONCE YOUNG AND THE YOUNG ONES: A SUSTAINABILITY MODEL

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) was a key element for the attainment and maintenance of a healthy life throughout all ages, and its life course persistence was a significant public health problem, particularly in the rapidly aging context of China. We aimed to identify factors determining the life course persistence of PA, develop an intergenerational model of PA persistence and teaching intervention through research on two intertwined groups—young adult university students (18 y o) of Nanchang University, and middle-aged adults (40–50 y o) living in nearby communities. We used an innovative "retrospective synthesis plus teaching intervention" mixed methods design and integrated the theoretical frameworks of social cognitive theory (SCT), life course development theory (LCDT), and habit formation theory (HFT). 100 young adults and 100 middle-aged adults were included in the study. Quantitative data were obtained by questionnaires, and qualitative data were obtained by semi-structured interviews with the middle-aged adults. Results showed a medium positive correlation (r=.487, p<.001) between adolescent PA habits and midlife PA levels, defined life stage transitions (e.g., student to working professional; life with child) as the critical vulnerability windows where PA discontinuity was more likely, and concluded that social support was more strongly associated with PA persistence than physical environment infrastructure. Building upon these findings, we proposed a four-component life course PA persistence model including adaptive habit structure, intergenerational teaching and learning of physical activity, socio-environmental support structure, and evidence-based intervention approaches. Teaching intervention targeting PA continuity risk in young students based on middle-aged adults' adaptive strategies proved to be effective. This paper contributed in three major areas: theoretically, it tested the combined validity of three theories in an urban Chinese setting; methodologically, it provided an effective time-saving method to explore life course health through a retrospective-prospective design; practically, it proposed a feasible strategy to optimize PE curriculum and community physical activity programs to support the Health China 2030 plan. Limitations included a small sample size and a relatively restricted scope of research and further longitudinal study was needed to confirm the model's long-term effects.