Perceptions of Physical Activity and Kin-Ball in Low-Active Adolescent Girls From Areas of Socioeconomic Disadvantage: A Mixed Methods Study.

Adolescent girls from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds exhibit low levels of physical activity. Alternative activities such as kin-ball may address barriers within this population. However, little is known about adolescent girls' perceptions of kin-ball. This study examined the physiological and perceptual responses to a kin-ball taster in comparison to more traditional modalities. Forty-two low-active adolescent girls (14.0 ± 0.5 years) from secondary schools in areas of socioeconomic disadvantage completed three 15-minute physical activity taster sessions (sprinting, dance, and kin-ball) in a randomized order. Heart rate, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and enjoyment were recorded following each session. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted (n = 6 groups of 6-8 participants) and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Average heart rate during kin-ball (150 ± 11 beats·min-1) was lower than sprinting (154 ± 9 beats·min-1; p = .027) and higher than dance (141 ± 12 beats·min-1; p < .001). Perceived exertion was significantly lower during kin-ball (RPE: 3 ± 2) compared with sprinting (6 ± 2; p < .001) and did not differ from dance (3 ± 3). Enjoyment was significantly higher following kin-ball (62 ± 10) compared with sprinting (54 ± 13; p = .004) and comparable to dance (61 ± 13). Qualitative findings highlighted enjoyment, perceived competence, and social connection as key drivers of engagement. ConclusionKin-ball provided an enjoyable and inclusive means of eliciting health-enhancing physical activity intensities, among low active adolescent girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, and may represent a valuable addition to school-based physical activity provision.