EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS AND INVOLVEMENT IN COMPETITIVE SPORTS IN ADOLESCENT FEMALES

Abstract

It has been demonstrated that participation in community sports programs is associated with high levels of overall physical activity for children (Trost et al., 1997). However, it is not known whether involvement in sports programs is associated with higher overall levels of physical activity in adolescents. PURPOSE To determine whether involvement in competitive sports would also be associated with higher levels of overall physical activity in adolescent females. METHODS Participants for this study were 222 adolescent females (12–18 years of age) who attended schools in a mid-size Canadian city. During one class period, participants completed questionnaires that assessed their typical level of physical activity and their involvement in competitive sport programs. The Modified Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (MAQ-A; Aaron et al., 1995) was used to assess physical activity levels. To assess participation in competitive sports participants were asked, “During the past 12 months, how many team or individual sports did you participate in on a competitive level?” Responses could range from none to 4 or more activities. RESULTS Using ANOVA, results revealed level of physical activity differed significantly across the different levels of involvement in competitive sport, F (4,217)=7.30, P < .001. Post hoc tests revealed that those engaging in 4 or more competitive activities per year reported significantly higher levels of overall physical activity than those reporting no involvement in competitive activities over a similar period. It is worth noting that those engaging in 4 or more competitive activities (M=9.4 METS) were obtaining enough physical activity to receive health benefits; those not participating in any competitive activities (M=3.2 METS) were not active enough to obtain health benefits. CONCLUSION The results extend previous research in children showing that participation in sports programs is associated with higher overall levels of physical activity in adolescents. Supported by CIHR