Developing a Holistic Model for Enhancing Lifelong Physical Activity Engagement

Thesis Abstract

Physical inactivity remains a significant public health challenge globally, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality associated with non-communicable diseases. Despite widespread awareness of the importance of physical activity, a substantial proportion of individuals fail to sustain engagement in lifelong physical activity, underscoring the need for comprehensive models that facilitate long-term adherence. This study aims to develop a holistic, integrative model designed to enhance lifelong physical activity engagement among adults, grounded in socio-cognitive, behavioral, and environmental perspectives. The specific objectives include (1) to identify key determinants influencing lifelong physical activity engagement; (2) to examine the interplay between individual, social, and environmental factors within a theoretical framework; (3) to construct a comprehensive model that encapsulates these determinants; and (4) to validate the proposed model through empirical testing. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative explorations with quantitative validation. The qualitative phase involves semi-structured interviews with purposively selected 30 adults aged 25–50 years from urban communities, analyzed through thematic content analysis to identify salient factors influencing physical activity behaviors. The quantitative phase employs a cross-sectional survey design with a stratified random sample of 400 adults, drawn from a population of 2,000 residents in urban settings. Validated instruments measuring constructs such as self-efficacy (general self-efficacy scale), motivation (Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire), perceived social support, and environmental accessibility are used to collect data. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) will be employed to test the relationships among variables and to validate the proposed model. Expected findings include the identification of core personal, social, and environmental determinants that significantly predict lifelong physical activity, and the demonstration of their integrated influence within a cohesive model framework. It is anticipated that self-efficacy, autonomous motivation, social support, and conducive environmental factors will emerge as critical components facilitating sustained engagement. The study is also expected to reveal moderating effects of demographic variables such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status on the model’s pathways. This research contributes novel insights into the complex, multidimensional nature of physical activity adherence, filling existing gaps by integrating diverse determinants into a comprehensive model grounded in social-cognitive theories, such as Self-Determination Theory and the Ecological Model. The developed model provides a pragmatic framework for designing targeted interventions aimed at promoting lifelong physical activity, with practical implications for public health practitioners, educators, and policymakers. Concluding, the study emphasizes the importance of adopting a holistic perspective that recognizes the interdependencies among individual motivation, social influences, and environmental contexts in fostering sustainable physical activity behaviors. Recommendations include the implementation of multi-level interventions that enhance self-efficacy, foster autonomous motivation, and improve environmental accessibility. Future research should explore longitudinal validation of the model and its applicability across diverse populations and settings, broadening the understanding of effective strategies to combat physical inactivity over the lifespan.