Kinesiology Research & Publications

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    Open Access
    Female athletes’ decisions to use hormonal contraceptives: a scoping review protocol.
    (2024) Suarez Moreno, Paula; Van Den Berg, Carla; Hayden, K. Alix; Doyle-Baker, Patricia K.
    Female athletes from a variety of sports indicate a perceived impact of the menstrual cycle (MC) on their performance (Brown et al., 2021; Ekenros et al., 2022; Findlay et al., 2020). Female athletes often choose to use hormonal contraceptives (HC’s) and although their reasons vary, the most consistent one is related to the impact of the MC on performance and training. For example, in a study by Martin et al., (2018) a third of 145 combined oral contraceptive athlete users perceived that cycle manipulation to avoid menstruation can be considered a positive outcome of oral contraceptive use. Therefore, the objective of this scoping review is to investigate the extent of evidence associated with the reasons behind female athletes’ decision to use or discontinue use of hormonal contraceptives. The inclusion criteria included a) female (sex assigned at birth), b) athletes actively participating in competition, of which the majority are competing at least a regional level (Swann et al., 2015), c) sample is mostly age 18 years or older, d) discusses knowledge, reasons, perceptions, attitudes, beliefs of the athletes as related to their decisions regarding HC use and e) discusses history of hormonal contraceptive use either current or previous as an athlete. The JBI guidelines for scoping reviews found in the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis (2020) will be followed and this review will be reported in accordance with the PRISMA –SCr extension (Peters et al., 2020; Tricco et al., 2018).
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    Open Access
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    Embargo
    Social support and social barriers for participating in group physical activity among older women living alone
    (Taylor & Francis, 2023-06-27) Beselt, L. Jayne; McDonough, Meghan H.; Hewson, Jennifer; Din, Cari
    Older adults who live alone are more likely to experience social isolation. Physical activity (PA) provides an opportunity and purpose for participating socially, but there may be social barriers for this population. We examined experiences with social support, social connections, and social barriers related to participating in group PA among older adult women who live alone. Older adult women (n = 16; Mage = 66.9 years, the majority of whom were White) who live alone were interviewed, and data were thematically analysed. Perspectives on living alone varied, with some valuing the freedom of not accommodating another person, while others felt it hampered motivation. Group PA contexts could provide a community who would notice if something was wrong, motivation to leave the house, and a source of comparison for inspiration and benchmarking progress, but some experienced a lack of support and women varied in their perspectives on what supports met their needs. Barriers included challenges with engaging with unfamiliar social groups alone. Many discussed the perspective that they took responsibility for motivating their own PA. Living alone has varied advantages and challenges, and PA may fill support needs in this population. Programs should consider barriers such as the awkwardness of entering social situations alone, and structure classes to encourage social participation and opportunities for building closer connections for those who seek them.
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    Open Access
    Social supports and barriers for older adults not currently participating in group physical activity
    (Human Kinetics, 2023-08-14) Morrison, Lindsay; McDonough, Meghan H; Hewson, Jennifer; Toohey, Ann; Din, Cari; Kenny, Sarah J; Crocker, Peter
    Group physical activity can provide physical and social benefits; however, social barriers or a lack of social support may affect participation. This study examined social support needs and barriers among older adults who were not participating in group physical activities. Using interpretive description, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 38 older adults (M = 5 70.9 years; 81.6% women). Themes were grouped into two categories. Category one, expectations and initial impressions, consisted of: (1) groups cannot meet everyone's expectations or interests; (2) groups are intimidating to join; and (3) the need for inclusive programming. Category two, social processes within group physical activity, consisted of: (1) modelling physical activity behaviours; (2) sharing information and suggestions about physical activity opportunities; and (3) encouragement and genuine interest. Outreach to this population should aim to address these barriers and utilize these supportive behaviours to reduce feelings of intimidation and promote participation among older adults.
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    Embargo
    "We're a lot closer, we talk more": Family experiences and relationships following child's participation in an adapted physical activity camp
    (Taylor & Francis, 2023-06-25) Jessica Youngblood; Meghan H. McDonough; Elizabeth G. Condliffe; David Legg; Carolyn A. Emery
    Purpose: Children and adolescents with developmental challenges may rely on their parents for assistance with everyday tasks to a greater extent than typically developing children. The objective of this study was to examine family members’ perspectives regarding family relationships related to participation in an adapted summer camp for children and adolescents living with a disability. Materials and Methods: A collective case study was conducted with eleven families who had a child living with a disability who participated in an adapted physical activity (PA) summer camp. A focus group was conducted with each family and thematically analyzed. Results: Families experienced changes in perspectives and pride surrounding adapted PA, more family conversations about disability, less parental worry, more independence of the child living with a disability, and enhanced family bonds through PA. The children who participated in the camp saw impacts on their self-confidence and independence. COVID-19-related program suspension was associated with frustration, worry, and strained family relationships. Conclusions: These findings elucidate how participation in adapted PA for children and youth with disabilities can impact family relationships. Future interventions allow for space for family interactions and create opportunity for children and adolescents with disabilities to be independent.