Activity Compensation in adolescents – a qualitative analysis of the underlying mechanisms and influencing factors

E-poster

Abstract Overview

Background: Compensatory behavior of physical activity (PA) in adolescents based on the ActivityStat hypothesis is scarcely investigated, and existing studies show inconclusive results. Especially, little is known about influencing factors of compensatory behavior.

Purpose: The aim of the present study is to investigate the occurrence, direction, and timeframe of compensation in adolescents. Furthermore, we want to identify the awareness and influencing factors of compensatory behavior.

Methods: A mixed methods crossover analysis design with 15 adolescents (8 boys,7 girls) aged 11–15 (mean 13.04 ± 1.28) years was conducted. Participants provided a habitual weekly schedule with regular activities, then kept an activity diary to capture their actual behavior for one week. Data between the weekly schedule and activity diary were compared. Deviations in the diary > ±20% were considered as possible compensation opportunities. Compensation opportunities were assessed to determine if compensation had occurred (or not) within-day and/or between-day, and in which ‘direction’ (i.e., positive or negative). Additionally, interviews were conducted to explore awareness and influencing factors.

Results: Overall, 198 compensation opportunities were identified. Compensation occurred in 109 of these opportunities (69 within-day, 40 between-day). Negative compensation occurred in 57 opportunities and 52 opportunities were compensated positively. Approximately half of the adolescents were unaware of their compensatory behavior, and only one participant was aware of all compensatory behavior. The most mentioned influences for positive compensation were social support and good weather. For negative compensation, tiredness as well as no need for movement were predominantly mentioned. No negative compensation occurred because adolescents wanted to stick to their routines or participate in hedonistic activities (i.e., activities they enjoy).

Conclusion: New insights into adolescent compensatory behavior were gained, but consistency in occurrence, direction, and timeframe was lacking.

Practical Implications: Supporting hedonistic activities and routines may aid individuals in managing compensatory behaviors.

Funding: No funding.

Additional Authors

Name: Franziska Beck
Affiliation: Department of Sport Science and Sport, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
Presenting Author: yes
Name: Brittany Amel Swelam
Affiliation: Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Australia
Presenting Author: no
Name: Ulrich Dettweiler
Affiliation: Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience Lab, University of Stavanger, Norway
Presenting Author: no
Name: Claus Krieger
Affiliation: Department of Languages and Aesthetic Disciplines Education, Universität Hamburg, Germany
Presenting Author: no
Name: Anne Kerstin Reimers
Affiliation: Department of Sport Science and Sport, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
Presenting Author: no

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Information

Study Type: Measurement or surveillance
Subtheme: Monitoring and data systems
Population Group: Adolescents
Setting: Whole System

Submitting Author

Franziska Beck
Scientific Researcher
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
Germany

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