Mailey Emily L, Gasper Rebecca, Dlugonski Deirdre
Associate Professor, Department of Kinesiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS;, Email:
Graduate Research As- sistant, Department of Kinesiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.
Am J Health Behav. 2019 Mar 1;43(2):349-360. doi: 10.5993/AJHB.43.2.11.
In this study, we investigated how exercise is portrayed in popular, non-fitness focused magazines targeting various audiences. Ten popular magazines were selected based on target audience (Teens, Young Adults, Family, Middle-Aged Adults, Older Adults). Ten digital articles from each magazine's health/fitness section were coded for the primary reason to exercise, the frequency, intensity, time, and type of exercise recommended, and whether their recommendations were evidence-based. Frequencies were calculated by target audience. The primary reason for exercise differed by audience, with appearance and fitness empha- sized by magazines targeting younger audiences, and mental health/quality of life emphasized in magazines targeting older adults. Over half of the articles described exercises that should be completed 2x-3x/week for <10 minutes. Articles frequently recommended circuit workouts that could be completed at moderate or self-selected intensity. Only 10% of articles cited peer- reviewed evidence. Results showed popular magazines often represent exercise as something that can be completed in a short time frame with meaningful benefits. However, an overemphasis on appearance in young adults is apparent, which could undermine intrinsic mo- tivation and behavior. Improved communication between researchers and popular magazines is needed to promote sharing of credible, evidence-based exercise content with the public.
在本研究中，我们调查了针对不同受众的、非以健身为重点的流行杂志中对运动的描述方式。根据目标受众（青少年、年轻人、家庭、中年成年人、老年人）选择了十种流行杂志。对每种杂志健康/健身板块的十篇数字文章进行编码，内容包括运动的主要原因、频率、强度、时间和推荐的运动类型，以及这些推荐是否基于证据。按目标受众计算频率。运动的主要原因因受众而异，针对年轻受众的杂志强调外表和健身，而针对老年成年人的杂志则强调心理健康/生活质量。超过一半的文章描述了每周应进行2至3次、每次少于10分钟的运动。文章经常推荐可以以中等强度或自我选择的强度完成的循环训练。只有10%的文章引用了经过同行评审的证据。结果表明，流行杂志常常将运动描述为在短时间内就能完成且能带来显著益处的事情。然而，年轻人中对外表的过度强调很明显，这可能会削弱内在动机和行为。需要改善研究人员与流行杂志之间的沟通，以促进向公众分享可信的、基于证据的运动内容。
