This paper aims to compare influences and perceptions of exercise and physical activity between Taiwanese and Non-Taiwanese adults. Lack of physical activity and exercise is a major cause of noncommunicable diseases worldwide and declining rates of physical activity are prevalent across most of the developed world, with disconcerting rates. To further understand Taiwanese attitudes and relationships with exercise and physical exercise, a survey questionnaire was designed and administered to Taiwanese and non-Taiwanese adults. The survey measured the perceptions of the benefits and barriers to exercise, as well as early influences to exercise experienced during childhood and adolescence. Findings showed both samples strongly perceived the benefits of exercise, especially in improving physical performance. Perceptions of the barriers to exercise were lower among both groups, especially among Taiwanese adults, despite lower exercise rates. Both groups considered their friends, family, schools, and overall environment to be supportive in facilitating their efforts to exercise. However, Taiwanese adults reported to have less free time to exercise and play growing up; and cited bad weather as the biggest barrier to exercise. This could be an indication of why exercise rates among many Taiwanese are low, especially among women. Social elements of exercise appear more salient among Taiwanese adults as they perceived the benefit of exercise’s ability to strengthen friendships to a stronger degree than non-Taiwanese adults, as well as profoundly disagreeing that that their friends and family do not encourage them to exercise. It is hoped these findings may be useful in considering future policy development regarding exercise participation in Taiwan.

Table of Contents ......................... 2
List of Tables............................. 3
List of Charts............................. 4
Acknowledgements .......................... 6
Abstract .................................. 7
I. Introduction ........................... 8
II. Literature Review ................................ 11
2.1 Physical Activity Levels: Globally and Taiwan..... 11
2.2 Academic Success Over Physical Activity in Taiwan .. 14
2.3 Government Intervention ............................ 18
2.4 Perceived Benefits and Barriers to Exercise ........ 20
III. Methodology ....................................... 22
3.1 Instrument ......................................... 22
3.2 Sample.............................................. 24
3.3 Data Analysis....................................... 26
IV. Results ............................................ 29
4.1 Perceived Benefits to Exercise ..................... 29
4.2 Perceived Barriers to Exercise ..................... 34
4.3 Early Influences to Exercise ....................... 44
4.4 Summary of the Significantly Different Perceptions and Influences for Non-Taiwanese and Taiwanese Adults ...... 50
4.5 Differences in Perceptions and Influences Among Men and Women ........................ 53
V. Conclusion .................................... 56
References ....................................... 61
Appendix: Questionnaire .......................... 65

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