scholarly journals Past-Year Sports Participation, Current Physical Activity, and Fitness in Urban Adolescent Girls

2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennie A. Phillips ◽  
Deborah Rohm Young
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Energy Expenditure ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Sports Participation ◽  
Step Test ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Target Heart Rate ◽  
Urban Adolescent ◽  
Urban Adolescent Girls ◽  
Fitness Levels

Background:This study examined associations between sports participation, physical activity, fitness level, and body mass index in ninth-grade girls.Methods:Data were analyzed for 221 participants who completed sports participation and physical activity recall questionnaires, an aerobic step test, and height and weight measurement.Results:On average, participants had low physical activity levels, and many were overweight or obese (47%). About half participated in at least one organized sport in the previous year. Sports participants had higher current estimated energy expenditure compared with non-sports participants (P = .0007). Those who participated on at least two teams were more likely to complete the three-stage step test without reaching their target heart rate than those who did not participate on any teams (P < .03). Past sports participation was positively associated with current physical activity and fitness levels.Conclusion:Urban adolescent girls who participate in sports have increased energy expenditure and higher fitness levels, indicating sports as a potential strategy to improve physical activity and health in this population.

The Effect of an 8-Week Educational Curriculum and Physical Activity Program on Attitudes Toward Physical Activity and Body Image of Urban Adolescent Girls

2008 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 17-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lori E. Ciccomascolo ◽  
Linda M. Grossi
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Image ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Physical Activity Program ◽  
After School ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Educational Curriculum ◽  
Activity Program ◽  
Urban Adolescent ◽  
Urban Adolescent Girls

Adolescent girls are becoming less physically active and are experiencing more body image issues compared to adolescent boys. Furthermore, adolescent girls maintain physical activity levels well below recommended guidelines, especially girls in urban environments. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of an 8-week after-school educational curriculum, GoGirlGo!, and physical activity program on urban adolescent middle school girls’ attitudes toward physical activity and body image. Twenty-five girls ranging in age from 12 to 14 years of age (M = 12.34 years, SD = 2.1) were randomly placed into two groups: (a) GoGirlGo! intervention and physical activity, and (b) physical activity only. The GoGirlGo! group increased their attraction to physical activity and lowered scores in weight dissatisfaction and desire to be slim compared to the physical activity only group. Based on the data, the GoGirlGo! curriculum is effective in improving attitudes about physical activity and body image among urban adolescent girls.

Self-Reported Physical Activity and Bone Mineral Density in Urban Adolescent Girls

2006 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Stager ◽  
Raymond Harvey ◽  
Michelle Secic ◽  
Kelly Camlin-Shingler ◽  
Barbara Cromer
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Bone Mineral Density ◽  
Bone Mineral ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Urban Adolescent ◽  
Urban Adolescent Girls
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