Abstract
Purpose: In Europe, 22% of young adults aged 18–39 do not meet the World Health Organization (WHO) physical activity (PA) guidelines (WHO, 2024). Identifying the factors that hinder PA participation is essential for designing successful interventions. This study examined the relationship between perceived barriers (personal, social, and environmental) and PA levels in adults living in South Tyrol who are not physically active enough. It also explored whether first language (German, Italian or Ladin), gender, and age moderated this relationship.
Methods: As part of the LOOK4SPORT project, a survey was conducted to investigate PA levels in people aged 18–34 years living in South Tyrol. Out of 400 participants, 68 (17%) (35.3% males, average age 27.0 ± 5.1) did not meet PA guidelines and were considered for further analyses. PA levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short-form (IPAQ-SF). Perceived barriers to PA practice were evaluated using the Physical Activity Barriers Questionnaire (PABs). Personal, social and environmental barriers were analysed separately. Linear regression analyses were conducted to investigate the relationship between the PABs and the IPAQ scores. Moderation analyses were performed to assess the moderating effects of first language, gender, and age.
Results: Personal PAB is significantly and inversely associated with IPAQ total score (b = - 444.9, SE = 216.9, R2 = 0.06, p = 0.044). Participants’ living place moderated this relationship (R2 = 0.12, F(3,64) = 2.87, p = 0.043), with a statistically significant p value found only among those living in villages (\15.000 inhabitants) (b = - 732.9, p = 0.006). No significant effect was found among city dwellers. Age also moderated the relationship (R2 = 0.14, F(3,64) = 3.40, p = 0.023), with stronger negative associations at ages 27 (b = - 474.6, p = 0.030), 33 (b = - 996.9, p = 0.003), and 34 years (b = - 1084.0, p = 0.003). Neither gender nor first language acted as moderators. Finally, linear regression analyses showed no significant impact of social or environmental PABs on the IPAQ total score.
Conclusions: Among physically inactive people aged 18–34 years living in the South Tyrol, personal barriers are significantly associated with lower PA levels, particularly among those living in villages and those aged over 27. To increase participation in physical activity, tailored strategies should be implemented to address the personal barriers faced by these subgroups.