A multi-method investigation into physical activity in middle-age through a lifecourse perspective

PhD thesis


Elliott, A. 2017. A multi-method investigation into physical activity in middle-age through a lifecourse perspective. PhD thesis Middlesex University London Sport Institute
TypePhD thesis
TitleA multi-method investigation into physical activity in middle-age through a lifecourse perspective
AuthorsElliott, A.
Abstract

This thesis began with practitioner observations in a specialist personal training practice, where anecdotal themes were noted from middle-aged clients (45-65 years old). Sedentary, exercise-averse individuals reported poor experiences of physical education in secondary school, whereas active clients gave a different narrative. These themes suggested differing life course trajectories that could result in ‘corporeal dissociation’ (CD), a term, defined here to describe a state of physical detachment that might result in adult inactivity. ‘Lives lived’ were investigated through a lifecourse theoretical perspective, within a pragmatic paradigm. Methodological Bricolage employed both qualitative and quantitative multi-methods to look at the research questions from differing perspectives. In Study 1, 10 practitioners were interviewed qualitatively to see if the original observations were replicated in other practices within the same geographical area. Data was analysed using content and emergent thematic analysis and it was found to be so. In Study 2, 800 middle-aged men and women across England completed a quantitative online survey that covered 63 experiences, grouped thematically, between the ages of 11-16: ‘home’, ‘about me’, ‘school’, ‘friends and leisure activities’. Data was statistically analysed using Principal Component Analysis followed by ANOVA and 16 significant dispositions and experiences centred around PE emerged as signifiers of corporeal dissociation in middle age. Study 3 took a sample of 8 men and 8 women from Study 2. It used narrative inquiry and established lifecourse themes of activity and inactivity that link adolescence and middle-age, with the individual’s relationship with their PE teacher being the biggest signifier and influence on later physical activity. Results show that corporeal dissociation can be found in practice and its origins in PE experience identified. Tentative life path signifiers have been determined and have been mapped between school and middle age. The outcome of the study is an understanding and definition of corporeal dissociation and a scalable tool for the practitioner to identify corporeal dissociation in new clients to help aid initial exercise adherence by prescribing suitable exercise programming.

Department nameLondon Sport Institute
Institution nameMiddlesex University
Publication dates
Print03 Jul 2017
Publication process dates
Deposited03 Jul 2017
Accepted14 Jun 2017
Output statusPublished
Accepted author manuscript
Accepted author manuscript
LanguageEnglish
Permalink -

https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/87110

Download files

  • 114
    total views
  • 138
    total downloads
  • 5
    views this month
  • 29
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

Applying motivational techniques for user adherence to adopt a healthy lifestyle in a gamified application
Fatima, S., Augusto, J., Moseley, R., Urbonas, P., Elliott, A. and Payne, N. 2023. Applying motivational techniques for user adherence to adopt a healthy lifestyle in a gamified application. Entertainment Computing. 46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.entcom.2023.100571
Was Physical Education as bad as people remember it? A qualitative thematic review
Elliott, A., Evans, T., Cohen, R., Watt, J. and Volante, M. 2022. Was Physical Education as bad as people remember it? A qualitative thematic review. The Sky-International Journal of Physical Education and Sports Sciences (IJPESS). https://doi.org/10.51846/the-sky.v0i0.2071
Stakeholder’s perceptions on the impact of the Olympic legacy on young people in east London
Dunthorne, L. and Elliott, A. 2018. Stakeholder’s perceptions on the impact of the Olympic legacy on young people in east London. Leisure Studies Association Conference 2018. University of Bath, UK 10 - 12 Jul 2018
Menopausal women and physical activity: Oral Presentation B11.3
Elliott, A. and Volante, M. 2021. Menopausal women and physical activity: Oral Presentation B11.3. 8th ISPAH Congress. Vancouver, Canada (Virtual with Onsite Satellite Meetings) 12 - 14 Oct 2021 pp. 90-90 https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.560
Is the answer to improved health hiding in plain sight?
Elliott, A. and Evans, T. 2022. Is the answer to improved health hiding in plain sight? Integrated Care Journal.
Using Narrative Inquiry to understand physical activity connections through the lifecourse
Elliott, A., Volante, M., Watt, J. and Cohen, R. 2022. Using Narrative Inquiry to understand physical activity connections through the lifecourse. Leisure Studies Association Conference 2022: In pursuit of leisure: inequality, storytelling and the meanings of place. Falmouth University 12 - 14 Jul 2022 Falmouth University. pp. 1-80
Perceived barriers to physical activity in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients during COVID-19 pandemic in the UAE
Ali, B. and Elliott, A. 2021. Perceived barriers to physical activity in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients during COVID-19 pandemic in the UAE. Journal of Advances in Sports and Physical Education. 4 (11), pp. 225-233. https://doi.org/10.36348/jaspe.2021.v04i11.002
The effect of resistance training on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women
Purenović-Ivanović, T., Dejanović, R., Živković, D., Bubanj, S., Đošić, A. and Elliott, A. 2021. The effect of resistance training on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. Dancs, H., Whyte, I. and Gaillard, J. (ed.) The INSHS 13th International Christmas Sports Scientific Conference. Hungary (online) 01 - 03 Dec 2021 INSHS. pp. 81-81
Was Physical Education as bad as people remember it?
Elliott, A., Volante, M., Evans, T., Watt, J. and Cohen, R. 2021. Was Physical Education as bad as people remember it? Dancs, H., Whyte, I. and Gaillard, J. (ed.) The INSHS 13th International Christmas Sports Scientific Conference. Hungary (online) 01 - 03 Dec 2021 Savaria University Press. pp. 15
Are personal trainers' values and philosophy of practitionership hampering clients' success?
Elliott, A., Volante, M., Watt, J. and Cohen, R. 2021. Are personal trainers' values and philosophy of practitionership hampering clients' success? Leisure Studies Association Conference 2021: Leisure identities, health and wellbeing. Southampton Solent University, UK (Virtual) 06 - 08 Jul 2021 Leisure Studies Association. pp. 65-65
Book review: Sport and physical activity across the lifespan edited by Rylee A. Dionigi and Michael Gard, London, Palgrave Macmillan, 2018, 362 pp., GBP £79.00 (hardback), ISBN: 978-1-137-48561-8, GBP £62.99 (eBook), ISBN: 978-1-137-48562-5
Elliott, Anne 2019. Book review: Sport and physical activity across the lifespan edited by Rylee A. Dionigi and Michael Gard, London, Palgrave Macmillan, 2018, 362 pp., GBP £79.00 (hardback), ISBN: 978-1-137-48561-8, GBP £62.99 (eBook), ISBN: 978-1-137-48562-5. Annals of Leisure Research. 22 (4), pp. 582-583. https://doi.org/10.1080/11745398.2019.1574594
The knowledge and practice of personal trainers working with people with long term health conditions
McNamara, J. and Elliott, A. 2019. The knowledge and practice of personal trainers working with people with long term health conditions. British Association of Sport Exercise Sciences: BASES Conference 2019. Leicester, UK 19 - 20 Nov 2019 Taylor & Francis (Routledge). pp. 75-76
How to get the best out of your middle aged clients? Strategies for personal trainers
Elliott, A. 2015. How to get the best out of your middle aged clients? Strategies for personal trainers. Leisure Industry Week: Uniting the leisure industry as one team. NEC Birmingham, UK 22 - 23 Sep 2015
Enablers and barriers to exercise uptake by women during middle age: a grounded theory approach
Elliott, A. 2012. Enablers and barriers to exercise uptake by women during middle age: a grounded theory approach. Masters thesis Middlesex University Work Based Learning