Abstract
BackgroundPrevious studies show large variations in physical activity (PA) levels among adolescents. However, the number of studies is limited and even fewer studies have assessed PA in adolescents by accelerometer devices. This study aimed to describe accelerometer-measured PA levels in adolescents in a population-based cohort in Northern Norway.MethodsIn 611 students aged 16–17 years attending the Fit Futures Study, PA was measured by Actigraph GT3X for seven consecutive days. PA was expressed as total PA volume (counts per minute, CPM), time spent in intensity zones, steps per day, and fulfilment of WHO recommendation (i.e. accumulation of 60 min or more of at least moderate intensity PA per day). Potential correlates of PA such as sex, socioeconomic status, study program, self-perceived health, and PA variations by weekday versus weekend were also examined.Results16% of the girls and 25% of the boys fulfilled current WHO-recommendations. Total PA volume (CPM) was higher in boys than in girls (353 (SD 130) versus 326 (SD 114) CPM, p < 0.05). PA levels differed with study program and increased with better self-perceived health, but were not associated with socioeconomic status. Both boys and girls were more active on weekdays than weekends (altogether; 350 (SD 124) versus 299 (SD 178) CPM, p < 0.05).ConclusionsIn this cohort of adolescents, less than 25% of 16–17-year-old boys and girls fulfilled the WHO recommendations. The levels of physical activity in 16–17-year-old adolescents are similar to previous data reported in adults.
Highlights
Previous studies show large variations in physical activity (PA) levels among adolescents
Participants with valid accelerometer data did not differ significantly from those who did not wear an accelerometer with respect to sex, Body Mass Index (BMI), and self-perceived health
Our results suggest that approximately 20% of 16–17year-old boys and girls fulfilled the current World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations for PA
Summary
Previous studies show large variations in physical activity (PA) levels among adolescents. This study aimed to describe accelerometer-measured PA levels in adolescents in a population-based cohort in Northern Norway. Studies indicate a 30% reduction in PA throughout adolescence from age 15 years [10] to age 20 years [11]. A review of worldwide secular trends concludes that PA levels among adolescents are declining [12]. PA as behaviour tends to track from adolescence to adulthood [14,15,16,17], and knowledge about PA levels and patterns in adolescents could help direct efforts and resources to prevent physical inactivity as adults
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