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The impact of life events and transitions on physical activity: A scoping review

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  • Hannes Gropper
  • Jannika M John
  • Gorden Sudeck
  • Ansgar Thiel

Abstract

Background: Physical activity (PA) is a fluctuating behavior and prone to change across the life course. Changes in PA may be particularly due to the experience of life events and transitions. For well-timed and successful PA interventions, it is important to understand when and why individuals take up or terminate PA. Objectives: This scoping review aims to examine the extent, range, and nature of research on the impact of life events and transitions on PA and to summarize key findings. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. Articles were included if they had been published in peer-reviewed journals between 1998 and 2020 and assessed the impact of at least one life event or transition on PA. Results: 107 studies that assessed 72 distinct life events and transitions were included and summarized in ten categories. Events and transitions that are primarily associated with decreases in PA were starting cohabitation, getting married, pregnancy, evolving parenthood, and the transitions from kindergarten to primary school, from primary to secondary school, and from high school to college or into the labor market. Retirement was associated with increases in PA; yet, long-term trajectories across retirement indicated a subsequent drop in activity levels. Divorce was associated with no changes in PA. No trends could be identified for changing work conditions, quitting or losing a job, starting a new relationship, widowhood, moving, and diagnosis of illness. Conclusion: Life events and transitions can be conceptualized as natural interventions that occur across the life course and that are oftentimes associated with changes in PA behavior. Our study indicates that, despite some emerging trends, similar events do not necessarily have similar impacts on PA across individuals. It also shows that the research landscape is characterized by a lack of conceptual clarity and by disparate methodologies, making it difficult to synthesize results across studies.

Suggested Citation

  • Hannes Gropper & Jannika M John & Gorden Sudeck & Ansgar Thiel, 2020. "The impact of life events and transitions on physical activity: A scoping review," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(6), pages 1-24, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0234794
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234794
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Miika Tuominen & Sari Stenholm & Pasi Koski & Tuija Leskinen, 2022. "Meanings Attributed to Physical Activity and Changes in Self-Reported and Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity among Recent Retirees," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-18, November.
    2. Richard Larouche & Ulises Charles Rodriguez & Ransimala Nayakarathna & David R. Scott, 2020. "Effect of Major Life Events on Travel Behaviours: A Scoping Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(24), pages 1-21, December.
    3. Ying Huang & Oi-Lam Ng & Amy S. C. Ha, 2022. "A Qualitative Exploration of Facilitators and Barriers to Physical Activity Participation among Chinese Retired Adults in Hong Kong," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-14, March.
    4. Hidde Bekhuis & Jasper van Houten & Femke van Abswoude, 2024. "Why Do New Parents Stop Practising Sport? A Retrospective Study towards the Determinants of Dropping Out after Becoming a Parent," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(3), pages 1-14, March.
    5. Lars Lenze & Claudia Klostermann & Markus Lamprecht & Siegfried Nagel, 2021. "Taking Up and Terminating Leisure-Time Physical Activity over the Life Course: The Role of Life Events in the Familial and Occupational Life Domains," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-15, September.
    6. Jennie A. Petersen & Calli Naish & Dalia Ghoneim & Jason L. Cabaj & Patricia K. Doyle-Baker & Gavin R. McCormack, 2021. "Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour: A Qualitative Study in a Canadian City," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-15, April.
    7. Tomoko McGaughey & Janae Vlaar & Patti-Jean Naylor & Rhona M. Hanning & Lucy Le Mare & Louise C. Mâsse, 2020. "Individual and Environmental Factors Associated with Participation in Physical Activity as Adolescents Transition to Secondary School: A Qualitative Inquiry," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-16, October.
    8. Karl Spiteri & John Xerri de Caro & Kate Grafton & Bob Laventure & David R. Broom, 2022. "Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour with Retirement in Maltese Civil Servants: A Dialectical Mixed-Method Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-29, November.
    9. Monika Teuber & Gorden Sudeck, 2021. "Why Do Students Walk or Cycle for Transportation? Perceived Study Environment and Psychological Determinants as Predictors of Active Transportation by University Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-25, February.

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