Assessing the Perceived Environment among Minimally Active Adolescent Girls: Validity and Relations to Physical Activity Outcomes

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Abstract
Purpose.: This study examined how adolescents' perceptions of exercise resources in the environment relate to physical activity outcomes. Methods.: Perceptions of the availability and use of environmental resources, vigorous physical activity (VIG), daily energy expenditure (KCAL), lifestyle activities (LA), and cardiovascular fitness (V̇O2peak) were assessed cross-sectionally among 87 minimally active adolescent girls (ages 14–17). To validate adolescent reports, the perceived availability of environmental resources was also assessed from 47 parents. Results.: Adolescent-parent agreement over the availability of resources was modest for the home domain (r = .62, p < .001) and weak for the community domain ( r = .14, p > .05). Adolescents' perceptions of resource availability in both the home and community domains were positively associated with V̇O2peak ( p < .05) but unrelated to VIG, KCAL, and LA. Adolescents' use of home resources was positively correlated with both VIG and LA ( p < .05). Conclusion.: Minimally active adolescent girls were more attuned to and likely to use the resources for physical activity located in their home environment as opposed to the community environment.