Physical activity participation constraints among athletic trainers: A profession based assessment

Despite well-documented health benefits, physical activity participation rates remain low. Leisure constraints theory can provide insights into understanding non-participation in physical activity. One hundred fifty-three certified athletic trainers from the U.S. Big-10 and PAC-10 conferences were surveyed to understand physical activity participation and leisure constraints among this group. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed to examine the effect of gender, age and leisure constraints on physical activity participation. Findings suggest less than ideal physical activity participation, some level of dissatisfaction with physical activity participation, and high mean Body Mass Index level (BMI) among the sample. Although structural constraints significantly and negatively predicted actual physical activity participation, the leisure constraints model did not explain the variance in physical activity participation. Athletic trainers are trained to be physically fit, maintain healthy lifestyles and reduce constraints for other, but ultimately may sacrifice their own health in the process.