Live in the moment, educate for life: Lessons for life-long participation in structured physical activity

The purpose of a more comprehensive study was to develop an understanding of what factors meaningfully contribute to an individual’s active participation in structured physical activity across the life span. This paper draws on such insights and reports on the factors influencing individuals aged 16-18 years (youngest age cohort in this cross-sectional study of four progressive age categories) that contribute or inhibitactive participation in institutionalisedphysical activity (PA), including sport-related activities. Participants. A total of 246 adolescents(49% boys and 51% girls) from poorly-resourced schools participated in the questionnaire. Materials and methods.The learners completed questionnaires that captured information related to their lived experiences and current PA practices within the three target communities within the Pretoria and Johannesburg municipalities. Results. There are several factors that influence adolescent learners’ active participation of which the most influential relate to a sense of enjoyment of the type of activities and engaging with other participants that translate into a sense of belonging and positive social environment. Inhibiting factors include the lack of access to resources and enabling environmental factors. Such factors present a differential gender profile and demonstrate existing gender inequalities.Conclusions.Adolescent learners living in impoverished communities are influenced by a myriad of factors that either inhibit or contribute towards active participation in institutional physical activity and sport. Local stakeholders and civic society agents frominstitutional settings need to harness such insights develop nuanced policies, guidelines and programmes to address to optimise equitable PA practices in the promotion of an active lifestyle.