Participation In Organized Physical Activities During Adolescence

Abstract

PURPOSE To examine the effect of participating in organized physical activities (OPA) during adolescence on physical activity, substance use and social factors during young adulthood. METHODS Subjects were 574 young adults (mean age 24.8 yrs; 51% male; 86% white) whose participation in OPA was assessed 3 times during adolescence (1991–1992–1993) and who completed a telephone survey of current physical activity, substance use and sociodemographic information. Subjects were classified according to the number of years (0 to 3) they participated in one or more OPA during adolescence. Separate analyses were conducted for males and females. RESULTS During adolescence, 14% of males and 41% of females did not report participating in OPA during the three year period while 53% of males and 31% of females reported participating in OPA all three years. The most common OPA reported during adolescence by males were baseball, basketball, football and hockey and by females, basketball, track, softball and swimming. There was a strong and consistent relation between participating in OPA during adolescence and physical activity in young adulthood. For both males and females, those who consistently participated in OPA as adolescents reported more episodes of vigorous activity (p<.05), more hrs/wk of leisure physical activity (p<.05) and current participation in organized activities (p<.01) in young adulthood. In addition, females who consistently participated in OPA as adolescents reported fewer barriers to exercise (p<.05). Although not significant, lower rates of adult smoking were found among those who participated in OPA as adolescents. Females who participated in OPA as adolescents were more likely to report alcohol use as adults (p<.01) and males were more likely to report heavy episodic drinking as adults (p<.01). Finally, increased participation in organized activity during adolescence was positively related to higher educational attainment. Those who consistiently participated in OPA during adolescence had a significantly higher proportion who completed a 4-year degree compared to those who did not participate in OPA during adolescence, 45% vs. 23% for males and 61% vs. 39% of females. CONCLUSIONS This analysis indicates that participating in organized physical activities during adolescence may have a beneficial impact on physical activity levels during young adulthood. In addition, the higher educational attainment of those who participated in organized physical activities during adolescence may yield future positive health benefits given the strong relation between socioeconomic status and health. Supported by NIAMS (AR39541) and NICHD (HD35607)