Participation Constraints in Physical Activity of US Immigrant Chinese Women

Empirical evidence has demonstrated that lack of physical activity could cause health problems (Muntner et al., 2005; Bauman et al., 2012; Manaf, 2013). Factors (e.g., age, sex, time, education) may impact participation in physical activity and exercise (Riordan, 1986; Chen, 1998; Sternfeld, Ainsworth, & Qusenberry, 1999; Muntner et al., 2005; Sit, Kerr, & Wong, 2008; Bauman et al., 2012). Further, cultural and social factors may play a role in participation (Hoeman, Ku, & Ohl, 1996; Fancott, 2001; Yu, Liaw, & Barnd, 2004; Sit, Kerr & Wong, 2008; Yan & Cardinal, 2013). Yan and Cardinal (2013) found that traditional Chinese health beliefs are vastly different from western society, which may have an effect on Chinese women to participate in physical activity. The purpose of this study was to examine the barriers and motivations to participation in physical activity and exercise among immigrant Chinese women in the United States. A qualitative approach was used to collect detailed explanatory data from a single research participant’s experiences. Preliminary findings from open ended responses suggest a growing awareness of the importance of sport and physical fitness; the modification of long-held cultural health, physical activity, and exercise perceptions; and time as a key constraint to activity.