Methods and design for the ADAPT study: Application of integrateD Approaches to understanding Physical activity during the Transition to emerging adulthood

Abstract

Background: The overarching objective of the study is to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the salient factors predicting changes in physical activity (PA) during adolescents' transition into emerging adulthood. Using the Multi-Process Action Control model as our guiding framework, we will examine how implicit and explicit psychological processes along with regulatory practices impact PA change during this major life transition. Additionally, we will use a real-time data capture method called Ecological Momentary Assessment to further investigate how environmental and contextual factors, and momentary psychosocial influences effect PA patterns across this dynamic life stage. Methods: The ADAPT study is a 4-year project comprised of two interrelated studies. Study I is a large prospective cohort study that will invite all grade 11 students across one large school board (a total of seven secondary schools) to participate by completing an online questionnaire. Using a cluster randomization approach, a subset of students from each school will be invited to participate in Study II, whereby participants will wear an accelerometer and complete Ecological Momentary Assessments 5 times a day over a 7-day study period. For both studies, following baseline assessments, there will be three annual follow-up assessments approximately 12 months apart. Discussion: The current study represents one of the largest longitudinal cohort studies examining PA and its determinants and associated consequences among adolescents transitioning out of high school into emerging adulthood. Findings from this study will provide a much more in-depth understanding of how and why changes in PA behaviour occur across this first major life transition.

Adolescent movement behaviour profiles are associated with indicators of mental wellbeing

“…Data for the present study is from the baseline assessment from the ADAPT study (Kwan et al, 2020). The ADAPT study is a four-year prospective longitudinal study tracking a sample of Canadian adolescents as they transition out of high school and into emerging adulthood in order to gain an understanding of factors underlying changes in physical activity behaviour.…”

“…Parental consent collected by paper or electronically was also a requirement for their data to be included in the study. More information about the recruitment strategy and study protocol can be found in the methods paper (Kwan et al, 2020). The protocol for the ADAPT study was approved by both the Institutional Research Ethics Board and the School Board Ethics Committee.…”

Effects of Physical Activity and Psychological Modification-Based Intervention on Physical Fitness, Physical Activity and Its Related Psychological Variables in Female Adolescents

“…Kang and Lee applied a psychological factor-based physical activity program to the physical education class of junior high school and reported that this intervention was significant to promote physical activity participation and its related competence and enjoyment [ 37 ]. More recently, Kwan and the colleagues conducted systematic review and meta-analysis to identify the effect of psychological modification strategy on improving physical activity [ 38 ]. This study concluded that the strategy is effective at increasing the time spent on physical activity and energy expenditure in physical activity, using cognitive and behavioral strategies, and improving perceived benefits and self-efficacy.…”

Movement behaviours and mental wellbeing: A cross-sectional isotemporal substitution analysis of Canadian adolescents

“…The present study utilized baseline data from the ADAPT study: Application of integrateD Approaches to understanding Physical activity during the Transition to emerging adulthood. 33 This is a four-year, prospective longitudinal study tracking a sample of Canadian adolescents as they transition out of high school and into emerging adulthood in order to gain an understanding of factors underlying changes in physical activity behaviour. At baseline, all grade 11 students enrolled into one of the seven secondary schools across a large school board in Southern Ontario were invited to take part in the study.…”

“…More information about the recruitment strategy and study protocol can be found elsewhere. 33 The protocol for the ADAPT study was approved by both the Institutional Research Ethics Board and the School Board Ethics Committee. Among the 2412 enrolled at one of the seven secondary schools within the school board, 1585 agreed and provided consent to participate (66% response rate).…”