Gender Disparity in Structured Physical Activity and Overall Activity Level in Adolescence: Evaluation of Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Data

Background. Adolescent girls are less likely to meet physical activity recommendations than boys. This study examined the relative contribution of structured physical activity opportunities including physical education (PE) class and sports teams to overall activity levels for girls and boys. Methods. Data from 591 9th–12th grade students who completed the 2009 Philadelphia Youth Risk Behavior Survey were examined. Logistic regression was used to estimate the relationship between PE and sports teams and physical activity levels. Models were stratified by gender to estimate gender differences. Results. Girls were less likely to be active than boys: 27.9% of girls were sedentary as compared to 10.6% of boys. PE class was not related to activity levels among boys, while highly active girls were seven times more likely to participate in daily PE than were sedentary girls. Playing on one or more sports teams was associated with low-moderate and high activity in girls; among boys, sports team participation was only associated with high activity. Conclusions. The structured physical activity opportunities of PE and sports teams may contribute more to overall activity levels in girls than boys. A more rigorous assessment of this hypothesis is warranted to inform efforts to promote activity levels in girls.

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Abstract P269: Examining the Unique Contribution of Physical Education and Sports Team Participation to Overall Levels of Adolescent Physical Activity

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.125.suppl_10.ap269 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 125 (suppl_10) ◽

Author(s):

Clare M Lenhart ◽

Alexandra Hanlon ◽

Youjeong Kang ◽

Brian P Daly ◽

Michael Brown ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Education ◽

Regression Model ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Physical Education Class ◽

Sports Teams ◽

Highly Active ◽

Education Class ◽

Sports Team

Background: Adolescent females are significantly less likely to meet physical activity recommendations than males; this gender disparity is also evident among adults. Physical education class and sports teams represent an important opportunity for physical activity among youth. Females, in particular, may rely on these opportunities since they are less likely to be active during unstructured time as compared to males. This study examined the relative contribution of participation in physical education class and sports teams to overall levels of physical activity for females and males, independent of known correlates of physical activity in this group of adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional data was examined from 591 9 th −12 th grade students from Philadelphia public schools who completed the 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Assessment. The relationship between the independent variables (participation in physical education class and sports teams) and other selected correlates (race, grade level, body mass index, depression symptoms and suicidal ideation, eating habits and weight concern, drug use, television watching and computer use) and physical activity was evaluated using chi-square tests. Variables with an association of p<.3 were entered into a stepwise regression model to estimate the relative association of each variable with activity levels. A final regression model stratified by gender was generated to estimate gender differences. Results: Sixty-two percent of the sample was female, 50% were African American, 19% were overweight, and 33% reported five or more days of activity in the last week. Females were less likely to be active than males (x 2 (2, N = 591) = 33.72, p = <.01): 27.9% of females were sedentary as compared to 10.6% of males. PE class was not significantly related to overall physical activity among males, while highly active females were seven times more likely to report participating in PE class every day than sedentary females (Exp(B)=7.06; p=.001). Playing on one or more sports teams was significantly associated with low-to-moderate (Exp(B)=2.14; p=.02) and highly active females (Exp(B)=3.24; p<.01). Among males, sports team participation was only associated with high levels of activity (Exp(B)=2.79; p=.05). Conclusions: Participation in sports teams and physical education class contribute more to overall activity levels in female than male adolescents. A more rigorous assessment of this hypothesis is warranted to inform efforts to promote adolescent activity levels, particularly among females.

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Nivel de actividad física, consumo habitual de tabaco y alcohol, y su relación con la calidad de vida en adolescentes españoles (Physical activity level, tobacco and alcohol habitual consumption, and its relationship with quality of life in Spanish adol

Retos ◽

10.47197/retos.v0i39.78489 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 112-119 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Eliseo Garcia Canto ◽

Andres Rosa Guillamon ◽

Laura Nieto López

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Risk Behavior ◽

Tobacco Consumption ◽

Activity Level ◽

Calidad De Vida ◽

Sf 36 ◽

Youth Risk Behavior

El consumo habitual de tabaco y alcohol entre los adolescentes, así como el sedentarismo constituyen un problema de salud pública y una epidemia pediátrica. La calidad de vida es un indicador del estado general de salud autopercibido. El objetivo fue analizar la relación entre actividad física, consumo de tabaco, alcohol y calidad de vida mediante una metodología observacional, seleccionando de manera aleatoria 1037 adolescentes españoles de 14-17 años de edad (15.52 ± 1.11 años). Los instrumentos empleados fueron el International Physical Activity Questionaire (actividad física), el Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance (tabaco), el Cuestionario sobre hábitos de consumo de alcohol en adolescentes (alcohol) y el Cuestionario de Salud SF-36 (calidad de vida). Se exploraron las relaciones bi-variantes mediante tablas de contingencia, seguido de un análisis de regresión logística binaria. Los resultados sugieren que la actividad física (p < .001) es la variable que mejor predice la calidad de vida percibida por los varones siendo también relevante el consumo de tabaco (p < .05). En las mujeres, tanto el consumo de tabaco (p < .001) como el consumo de alcohol (p < .001), se muestran como las variables que mejor predicen la calidad de vida percibida, siendo en menor medida relevante la asociación entre actividad física y calidad de vida (p < .05). La promoción de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud depende de la creación de ambientes educacionales integrales donde la actividad física forme parte de un estilo de vida saludable. Abstract. Habitual tobacco and alcohol use among adolescents, as well as sedentary lifestyle, are a public health problem and a pediatric epidemic. Quality of life is an indicator of overall self-perceived health status. The objective was to analyze the relationship between physical activity, tobacco consumption, alcohol and quality of life using an observational methodology, randomly selecting 1037 Spanish adolescents aged 14-17 years old (15.52 ± 1.11 years old). Instruments used were the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (physical activity), the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance (tobacco), the Questionnaire on alcohol consumption habits in adolescents (alcohol), and the Health Questionnaire SF-36 (quality of life). Bi-variant relationships were explored using contingency tables, followed by binary logistic regression analysis. Results suggest that physical activity (p <.001) is the variable that best predicts quality of life perceived by boys, tobacco use being also relevant (p <.05). In girls, both tobacco consumption (p <.001) and alcohol consumption (p <.001) are shown as the variables that best predict their perceived quality of life, but the association between physical activity and quality of life is less relevant (p <.05). The promotion of health-related quality of life depends on the creation of comprehensive educational environments where physical activity is part of a healthy lifestyle.

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The Association Between the Type, Context, and Levels of Physical Activity Amongst Adolescents

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.8.8.1057 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 8 (8) ◽

pp. 1057-1065 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Harriet Koorts ◽

Calum Mattocks ◽

Andy R. Ness ◽

Kevin Deere ◽

Steven N. Blair ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Activity Level ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Highly Active ◽

Parents And Children ◽

Chi Squared ◽

Objectively Measured ◽

Sectional Analysis ◽

Sports Activities

Background:Little is known about how the type and context of physical activity behaviors varies among adolescents with differing activity levels. The aim of this study was to assess differences in the type and context of physical activity behaviors in adolescents by level of objectively measured physical activity.Methods:Cross-sectional analysis of 2728 adolescents (1299 males, 1429 females) participating in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). The mean (SD) age was 13.8 (+0.1) years. Physical activity was measured using an Actigraph over 7 days. Adolescents were categorized into tertiles of activity (less, moderately, highly active) using counts/min and min/d of moderate-to-vigorous activity (MVPA). Activity type was reported using the Previous Day Physical Activity Recall (PDPAR). Differences in the type and context of activity by activity level were analyzed using Chi squared.Results:Highly active boys reported more job, outside, and sports activities on school days (P < .05), and more sports activities on nonschool days (P < .05). Highly active girls reported more outside activities on school days (P < .05).Conclusions:Identifying the type and context of physical activity behaviors associated with more active adolescents, can help inform policy and physical activity interventions aimed at increasing activity levels in adolescents.

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Later sleep timing predicts accelerated summer weight gain among elementary school children: a prospective observational study

International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity ◽

10.1186/s12966-021-01165-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jennette P. Moreno ◽

Javad Razjouyan ◽

Houston Lester ◽

Hafza Dadabhoy ◽

Mona Amirmazaheri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Observational Study ◽

Sleep Duration ◽

Obesity Prevention ◽

Prospective Observational Study ◽

Light Exposure ◽

Activity Level ◽

Activity Levels ◽

School Year ◽

Children’S Sleep

Abstract Objectives and background Social demands of the school-year and summer environment may affect children’s sleep patterns and circadian rhythms during these periods. The current study examined differences in children’s sleep and circadian-related behaviors during the school-year and summer and explored the association between sleep and circadian parameters and change in body mass index (BMI) during these time periods. Methods This was a prospective observational study with 119 children ages 5 to 8 years with three sequential BMI assessments: early school-year (fall), late school-year (spring), and beginning of the following school-year in Houston, Texas, USA. Sleep midpoint, sleep duration, variability of sleep midpoint, physical activity, and light exposure were estimated using wrist-worn accelerometry during the school-year (fall) and summer. To examine the effect of sleep parameters, physical activity level, and light exposure on change in BMI, growth curve modeling was conducted controlling for age, race, sex, and chronotype. Results Children’s sleep midpoint shifted later by an average of 1.5 h during summer compared to the school-year. After controlling for covariates, later sleep midpoints predicted larger increases in BMI during summer, (γ = .0004, p = .03), but not during the school-year. Sleep duration, sleep midpoint variability, physical activity levels, and sedentary behavior were not associated with change in BMI during the school-year or summer. Females tended to increase their BMI at a faster rate during summer compared to males, γ = .06, p = .049. Greater amounts of outdoor light exposure (γ = −.01, p = .02) predicted smaller increases in school-year BMI. Conclusions Obesity prevention interventions may need to target different behaviors depending on whether children are in or out of school. Promotion of outdoor time during the school-year and earlier sleep times during the summer may be effective obesity prevention strategies during these respective times.

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Choroidal Thickness and Volume Modifications Induced by Aerobic Exercise in Healthy Young Adults

Ophthalmic Research ◽

10.1159/000511201 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Gema Insa-Sánchez ◽

Lorena Fuentes-Broto ◽

Alberto Cobos ◽

Elvira Orduna Hospital ◽

Francisco Segura ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Young Adults ◽

Physical Exercise ◽

Choroidal Thickness ◽

Activity Level ◽

Enhanced Depth Imaging ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Imaging Protocol ◽

Post Exercise ◽

Physical Activity Levels

Introduction: Our aim was to evaluate the changes in choroidal thickness (CT) and volume (CV) following aerobic physical exercise in healthy young adults. Methods: This study included 72 eyes from healthy volunteers between 22 and 37 years old. Using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, total physical activity was computed. Measurements using an autorefractometer, ocular biometry, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography using the Enhanced Depth Imaging protocol were taken. OCT was performed as a baseline measurement and after performing 10 min of dynamic physical exercise (3 and 10 min post-exercise). The choroidal layer was manually segmented, and the CT and CV in different areas from the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study grid were obtained. Results: In healthy adults, at 3 min post-exercise, CT was higher in the subfoveal, the 3-mm nasal, and the 6-mm superior areas. Between 3 and 10 min post-exercise, the CT was reduced in all areas, and in some areas, the values were even smaller than the baseline measurements. The CV values showed changes after exercise similar to those of thickness. The total CV recovery after exercise was related to sex and physical activity level. Conclusion: Individuals with higher physical activity habits had greater CV at rest than those with lower physical activity levels. During exercise, healthy young people adjust CT and CV. At 3 min post-exercise, CT and CV increase. Women and individuals with greater physical activity levels reduce their total CV more than others during recovery.

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Reduced level of physical activity during COVID-19 pandemic is associated with depression and anxiety levels: an internet-based survey

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10470-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Paulo José Puccinelli ◽

Taline Santos da Costa ◽

Aldo Seffrin ◽

Claudio Andre Barbosa de Lira ◽

Rodrigo Luiz Vancini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Mood Disorders ◽

Physical Activity Level ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Mood State ◽

Activity Level ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Physical Activity Levels

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a strong negative impact on economic and social life worldwide. It has also negatively influenced people’s general health and quality of life. The aim of the present study was to study the impact of social distancing on physical activity level, and the association between mood state (depression and anxiety level) or sex with actual physical activity levels, the change in physical activity caused by social distancing period, the adhesion level to social distancing, the adoption time of social distancing, family income and age. Methods A self-administered questionnaire with personal, quarantine, physical activity, and mood state disorders information’s was answered by 2140 Brazilians of both sex who were recruited through online advertising. Results The physical activity level adopted during the period of social distancing (3.5 ± 0.8) was lower than that the adopted prior to the pandemic period (2.9 ± 1.1, p < 0.001). Thirty percent of the participants presented symptoms of moderate/severe depression and 23.3% displayed moderate/severe anxiety symptoms. A greater presence of symptoms related to anxiety and depression were associated with low physical activity levels, low family monthly income, and younger age. A higher percentage of men who had no mood disorders was observed among those who were very active than among those less active. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has a negative impact on physical activity. Those who reduced their level of physical activity had the highest levels of mood disorders. Therefore, physical activity programs should be encouraged, while respecting the necessary social distancing to prevent the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.

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Physical activity level of adult cats with varied feeding frequency

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114511001863 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 106 (S1) ◽

pp. S166-S169 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Ping Deng ◽

Ryan W. Grant ◽

Kelly S. Swanson

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Weight ◽

Body Condition ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Activity Level ◽

Feeding Time ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Feeding Frequency ◽

Condition Score ◽

Adult Cats

The prevalence of feline obesity is influenced by numerous factors, including inactivity and overconsumption of food. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of feeding frequency on physical activity in adult cats. A total of twelve healthy adult cats were used in a cross-over study consisting of 32 d. In each of the two periods, six cats were fed either two meals or four meals daily. Throughout the study, cats were fed the same diet at amounts to maintain body weight and body condition score. Cats were individually housed 4 h/d at each scheduled feeding time, while for the other 20 h, cats were group-housed to allow for voluntary physical activity in the room with a 16 h light–8 h dark cycle. Voluntary activity levels were evaluated using Actical activity collars for seven consecutive days in each period. Daily average activity level for two-meal-fed cats (20·04 (sem 2·19), activity counts/epoch (15 s)) was not different from four-meal-fed cats (20·14 (sem 2·15), activity counts/epoch (15 s); P>0·05). In conclusion, when group-housed cats are fed to maintain their body weight and body condition score, varied feeding frequency between twice and four times daily may not affect activity levels.

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How Much Observation Is Enough? Refining the Administration of SOPARC

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.8.8.1117 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 8 (8) ◽

pp. 1117-1123 ◽

Cited By ~ 80

Author(s):

Deborah A. Cohen ◽

Claude Setodji ◽

Kelly R. Evenson ◽

Phillip Ward ◽

Sandra Lapham ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Los Angeles ◽

Interobserver Reliability ◽

Intraclass Correlation ◽

Activity Level ◽

Activity Levels ◽

User Characteristics ◽

Systematic Observation ◽

Robust Estimate ◽

Neighborhood Parks

Background:The Systematic Observation of Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) was designed to estimate the number and characteristics of people using neighborhood parks by assessing them 4 times/day, 7 days/week. We tested whether this schedule was adequate and determined the minimum number of observations necessary to provide a robust estimate of park user characteristics and their physical activity levels.Methods:We conducted observations every hour for 14 hours per day during 1 summer and 1 autumn week in 10 urban neighborhood parks: 2 each in Los Angeles, CA; Albuquerque, NM; Columbus, OH; Durham, NC; and Philadelphia, PA. We counted park users by gender, age group, apparent race/ethnicity, and activity level. We used a standardized Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficients to test the reliability of using fewer observations.Results:We observed 76,632 individuals, an average of 547/park/day (range 155−786). Interobserver reliability ranged from 0.80 to 0.99. Obtaining a robust estimate of park user characteristics and their physical activity required a schedule of 4 days/week, 4 times/day.Conclusion:An abbreviated schedule of SOPARC was sufficient for estimating park use, park user characteristics, and physical activity. Applying these observation methods can augment physical activity surveillance.

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Maximal Oxygen Uptake and Daily Physical Activity in 7- to 12-Year-Old Boys

Pediatric Exercise Science ◽

10.1123/pes.5.4.357 ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 357-366 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Hazzaa M. Al-Hazzaa ◽

Mohammed A. Sulaiman

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Heart Rate ◽

Oxygen Uptake ◽

Maximal Oxygen Uptake ◽

Open Circuit ◽

Daily Physical Activity ◽

Activity Level ◽

Activity Levels ◽

School Time ◽

The Relationship

The present study examined the relationship between maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) and daily physical activity in a group of 7- to 12-year-old boys. V̇O2max was assessed through the incremental treadmill test using an open circuit system. Physical activity level was obtained from heart rate telemetry outside of school time for 8 hrs during weekdays and during 40 min of physical education classes. The findings indicated that the absolute value of V̇O2max increased with age, while relative to body weight it remained almost the same across age, with a mean of 48.4 ml · kg−1 · min−1. Moreover, heart rate telemetry showed that the boys spent a limited amount of time on activities that raise the heart rate to a level above 160 bpm (an average of 1.9%). In addition, V̇O2max was found to be significantly related to the percentage of time spent at activity levels at or above a heart rate of 140 bpm, but not with activity levels at or above a heart rate of 160 bpm.

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Pedestrian Activity Among California Adults

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.6.1.15 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 15-23 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Anna E. Mathews ◽

Natalie Colabianchi ◽

Brent Hutto ◽

Delores M. Pluto ◽

Steve P. Hooker

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Activity Patterns ◽

Physical Activity Promotion ◽

Activity Level ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Public Health Agencies ◽

Activity Promotion ◽

Health Agencies ◽

Random Digit Dial

Background:The objectives of this study were to assess (1) pedestrian activity levels among adults, (2) where and why adults engage in pedestrian activity, and (3) what adults consider when deciding where to engage in pedestrian activity.Methods:Pedestrian activity was assessed in 12,036 California adults, ≥18 years, using a random digit-dial telephone survey.Results:Significant differences were identified by race, sex, age, and physical activity level in the type, location, and purpose of pedestrian activities. Men engage in pedestrian activity at work, and women engage in pedestrian activity while escorting children to school and running errands. Whites primarily engage in leisure-time pedestrian activity, and non-whites are more likely to engage in pedestrian activity for transportation. Older adults were less active than their younger counterparts.Conclusions:These findings should be considered by public health agencies and their partners as they continue to increase and promote opportunities for pedestrian activity. Additional research is needed to assess older adults’ physical activity patterns and preferences, barriers, and facilitators to effectively tailor physical activity promotion efforts to this at-risk group.

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