The relation of physical activity to physical and mental health level in adolescents

Abstract

Aim: The promotion and increasing participation of physical and sports activities at high schools can play an active role in increasing the health and academic achievement of young people. This study aims to investigate the effects of regular physical activity on physical and mental health in male and female high school students. Material and Methods: Data were collected from 1350 high school students. Short form- health scale (SF- 12) were used for physical health scores (PHS) and mental health scores (MHS). A physical activity stage of change questionnaire was used for activity level. Results: Results of this study showed that the percentages of physical activity level were 41.6 % for male and 27.72% for females. There were significant differences in the means of MHS and PHS depending on physical activity level in male and females. Significant differences were only observed in the means of age, body height in females not male. PHS and MHS were more significantly correlated with physical activity levels in females than male. Conclusion: An inactive life style of high school students leads to lower their health scores. So, regular physical activity is a need to enhance and maintain PHS and MHS.