Abstract
BackgroundThis study examined if family and friend support predicted adolescent physical activity (PA) across a five-year time span.MethodsThe Iowa Bone Development Study collected objective measures of physical activity and self-report of physical activity psychosocial factors at ages 13 (n = 306), 15 (n = 356), and 17 yr (n = 317). Total moderate and vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA) and MVPA after 3 pm on weekdays (MVPA-PM Weekday) were measured using ActiGraph accelerometers. Family Support for PA and Friend Support for PA scales were measured using the Choices questionnaire. Models were adjusted for SES (mother’s education) and somatic maturity (Mirwald predictive equations for maturity offset). Spearman correlation coefficients examined tracking of scales at ages 13, 15 and 17. Logistic regression estimated the odds ratio for being in the lowest tertile of each scale at age 17 if in the lowest tertile at age 13. Linear mixed regression models investigated associations between these scales and MVPA outcomes over time.ResultsTwo- and five-year intra-variable tracking associations for Family Support and Friend Support scales were moderate (r = 0.32–0.58), except for the comparison between age 13 and age 17 Friend Support for girls, which resulted in a low association (r = 0.26). Boys and girls in the lowest tertile for support at age 13 were more likely to remain in the lowest tertile at age 17 compared to those in the middle and upper tertiles. The regression models indicated that when all other factors were held constant, an increase in family and/or friend support resulted in an increase in both MVPA outcomesConclusionsFrom early to late adolescence, support for PA from the family and/or support from friends results in higher levels of total and discretionary MVPA. However, the importance of support in predicting MVPA decreased with age.
Highlights
This study examined if family and friend support predicted adolescent physical activity (PA) across a five-year time span
Using an objective measure of PA, subjective reporting of psychosocial factors associated with PA, and a five-year follow-up design, we examined how family support and friend support predicted adolescent PA levels at different ages (i.e., 13, 15, and 17 years) and levels of maturity
All comparisons resulted in moderate associations, except for the comparison of Friend Support for girls between the age 13 and age 17, which resulted in a low association (r = 0.26)
Summary
This study examined if family and friend support predicted adolescent physical activity (PA) across a five-year time span. The recently published Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Midcourse Report [2] presented emerging evidence and evidence-based practices that encourage and support PA in youth. The report focused on five settings in which youth PA interventions have been implemented and evaluated: schools, preschool/childcare centers, community, family/home, and primary care. Strategies that address adherence to and maintenance of PA are of particular importance during adolescence, when dramatic declines in PA rates occur [4, 5]. The Midcourse Report [2] notes the need for new health promotion strategies to encourage the development of lifelong motivation and involvement in PA among today’s youth.
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