This study aimed to explore the understanding of Malaysian adolescents towards concept of physical activity (PA) and their perceived facilitators and barriers in practising an active lifestyle.,Using a quota sampling method, a total of 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) were performed at two secondary schools, which were randomly selected in Selangor. This study involved 72 adolescents (males = 51.4%, females = 48.6%) aged 13–14 years. Based on ethnicity, there was an equal number of Malay, Chinese and Indian participants (n = 24, 33.3%). For analysing the outcome from the FGDs, thematic analysis was applied.,The adolescents perceived exercise and PA as structured games. They perceived that exercise could have positive effects on the body, appearance and health, and PA as a daily routine. Common differences between exercise and PA were based on frequency, intensity, energy and venue. Perceived facilitators in practising an active lifestyle include concern about body or health, have companions, familial or peer influence, availability of facilities in the neighbourhood and have scheduled time for exercise. Time constraint, no motivation, physically unwell or tired, no companion, security issue at playground or exercise facilities or venue, and weather were mentioned as barriers in practising an active lifestyle.,This study contributed to an improved understanding of the adolescents’ concept of PA, as well as their perceived facilitators and barriers in practising an active lifestyle. The study suggested that health intervention should embrace a way of promoting the immediate advantages of practicing an active lifestyle in order to reinforce the importance of an active lifestyle among adolescents. Furthermore, future intervention should emphasise on educating the adolescents on ways to cope with environmental barriers when practicing an active lifestyle.

中文翻译：

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马来西亚青少年对体力活动概念、感知促进因素和积极生活方式障碍的理解探索

本研究旨在探讨马来西亚青少年对身体活动 (PA) 概念的理解以及他们在实践积极生活方式时所感知的促进因素和障碍。, 使用配额抽样方法，总共进行了 12 次焦点小组讨论 (FGD)。两所中学，是在雪兰莪随机选择的。这项研究涉及 72 名 13-14 岁的青少年（男性 = 51.4%，女性 = 48.6%）。根据种族，马来人、华人和印度人的参与者人数相等（n = 24, 33.3%）。为了分析 FGD 的结果，应用了主题分析。青少年将锻炼和 PA 视为结构化游戏。他们认为锻炼可以对身体、外观和健康产生积极影响，并将 PA 作为日常活动。运动和 PA 之间的共同差异基于频率、强度、能量和地点。实践积极生活方式的感知促进者包括关注身体或健康、有同伴、家庭或同龄人的影响、附近设施的可用性以及安排锻炼时间。时间限制、没有动力、身体不适或疲倦、没有同伴、操场或运动设施或场地的安全问题以及天气被认为是实践积极生活方式的障碍。,这项研究有助于提高对青少年概念的理解PA，以及他们在实践积极生活方式时所感知的促进因素和障碍。该研究表明，健康干预应该采用一种方法来促进积极生活方式的直接优势，以加强积极生活方式在青少年中的重要性。此外，未来的干预应强调教育青少年在实践积极的生活方式时如何应对环境障碍。