Sports Participation and Well-being of Adolescents: Are They Related?

Abstract

Background: Participation in sports helps an individual to achieve recommended levels of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). MVPA plays a vital role in bringing about positive psychological and physiological changes contributing to both physical and emotional well-being. Aims: There is a scarcity of data to understand the role of regular participation in sports in promoting the overall physical activity in Indian adolescents. Our objective was to evaluate the sports participation as a means of enhancing physical and psychological health of children and youth by helping them to achieve daily physical activity requirements. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 509 [n=259, athletic adolescents (AA) and n=250, non-athletic adolescents (NAA)]. Ryff's Psychological well-being questionnaire was used to assess their mental well-being state. Physical well-being VO₂max and anthropometric parameters were assessed. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 20. Results: In the findings of the study, majority of NAA were found to be practicing low physical activity levels while in contrast, majority of AA were able to achieve moderate to vigorous levels of physical activity. AA were found with significantly better scores for personal growth, positive relations with others, purpose in life, self-acceptance and total psychological well-being. Prevalence of overweight adolescents was higher in NAA than AA, while VO₂max of AA was higher than NAA. Conclusion: MVPA is favourably associated with overall well-being of adolescents. Sports participation has a positive impact on both physical and mental health and should be encouraged since childhood years.