ComPAS

The ComPAS study aims to gain an in-depth understanding of compensatory physical activity behavior among adolescents in Germany. The focus is on the temporal patterns of compensation and potential intrapersonal (e.g., social support, enjoyment of movement, habitual activity behavior) as well as environmental influencing factors. 

To date, research on compensatory physical activity behavior has produced inconsistent findings, and there is limited knowledge about the underlying determinants. The few existing studies investigating such factors in adolescents provide inconclusive results, suggesting that compensatory behavior is highly individualized in this population. 

The objective of the present study is therefore to examine whether adolescents compensate for increases or decreases in physical activity within a single day or across different days, and whether they are consciously aware of these compensatory actions. A further aim is to explore the underlying mechanisms (e.g., direction or magnitude of compensation) and the factors influencing such behavior. 

To address these questions, the study employs a qualitative-dominant mixed methods crossover design, including a typical weekly schedule, a one-week activity diary, and subsequent semi-structured interviews. The weekly plans and diaries are used to identify compensatory behaviors, their timing, and proportion. Follow-up interviews provide insights into adolescents’ subjective awareness of compensation and the factors influencing it—i.e., why adolescents compensate or why they do not. 

 

Project Lead: Prof. Dr. Anne Kerstin Reimers (FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg)
Research Staff: Dr. Franziska Beck 

 

Publication List: 

Beck, F., Swelam, B. A., Dettweiler, U., Krieger, C., & Reimers, A. K. (2024). Compensatory behavior of physical activity in adolescents – a qualitative analysis of the underlying mechanisms and influencing factors. BMC Public Health, 24(1), 158. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-17519-1