Activity In Boys Research Articles

Association between Clustering of Lifestyle Behaviors and Health-Related Physical Fitness in Youth: The UP&DOWN Study

To examine clustering of lifestyle behaviors in Spanish children and adolescents based on screen time, nonscreen sedentary time, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, Mediterranean diet quality, and sleep time, and to analyze its association with health-related physical fitness. The sample consisted of 1197 children and adolescents (597 boys), aged 8-18 years, included in the baseline cohort of the UP&DOWN study. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was assessed by accelerometry. Screen time, nonscreen sedentary time, Mediterranean diet quality, and sleep time were self-reported by participants. Health-related physical fitness was measured following the Assessing Levels of Physical Activity battery for youth. A 2-stage cluster analysis was performed based on the 5 lifestyle behaviors. Associations of clusters with fatness and physical fitness were analyzed by 1-way ANCOVA. Five lifestyle clusters were identified: (1) active (n = 171), (2) sedentary nonscreen sedentary time-high diet quality (n = 250), (3) inactive-high sleep time (n = 249 [20.8%]), (4) sedentary nonscreen sedentary time-low diet quality (n = 273), and (5) sedentary screen time-low sleep time (n = 254). Cluster 1 was the healthiest profile in relation to health-related physical fitness in both boys and girls. In boys, cluster 3 had the worst fatness and fitness levels, whereas in girls the worst scores were found in clusters 4 and 5. Clustering of different lifestyle behaviors was identified and differences in health-related physical fitness were found among clusters, which suggests that special attention should be given to sedentary behaviors in girls and physical activity in boys when developing childhood health prevention strategies focusing on lifestyles patterns.

Preschoolers' Technology-Assessed Physical Activity and Cognitive Function: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Early childhood is a critical period for development of cognitive function, but research on the association between physical activity and cognitive function in preschool children is limited and inconclusive. This study aimed to examine the association between technology-assessed physical activity and cognitive function in preschool children. A cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the Physical Activity and Cognitive Development Study was conducted in Shanghai, China. Physical activity was measured with accelerometers for 7 consecutive days, and cognitive functions were assessed using the Chinese version of Wechsler Young Children Scale of Intelligence (C-WYCSI). Linear regression analyses were used to assess the association between physical activity and cognitive function. A total of 260 preschool children (boys, 144; girls, 116; mean age: 57.2 ± 5.4 months) were included in analyses for this study. After adjusting for confounding factors, we found that Verbal Intelligence Quotient, Performance Intelligence Quotient, and Full Intelligence Quotient were significantly correlated with light physical activity, not moderate to vigorous physical activity, in boys. Standardized coefficients were 0.211, 0.218, and 0.242 (all p < 0.05) in three different models, respectively. However, the correlation between physical activity and cognitive functions were not significant in girls (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that cognitive function is apparently associated with light physical activity in boys. Further studies are required to clarify the sex-specific effect on physical activity and cognitive functions.

Nutrition and Bone Density in Boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder

BackgroundBoys with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have lower bone mineral density (BMD) than typically developing controls. Differences in diet and exercise may contribute to low BMD. ObjectiveOur aim was to examine macro- and micronutrient intakes and self-reported physical activity in boys with ASD compared to TDC and the relationship of these variables with BMD. Design/methodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of 49 boys (25 ASD, 24 typically developing controls) assessed for 3-day food records and physical activity records, and BMD of the whole body less head, hip, and spine using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Fasting levels of 25(OH) vitamin D and calcium were obtained. ParticipantsParticipants were adolescent boys, aged 8 to 17 years, recruited from a clinic population (ASD) or community advertisements (ASD and typically developing controls) matched for age. ResultsASD participants were approximately 9 months younger than typically developing control participants on average. Body mass index and serum vitamin D and calcium levels were similar. Boys with ASD consumed 16% fewer calories, with a larger percentage obtained from carbohydrates, and 37% less animal protein and 20% less fat than typically developing controls. A lower proportion of ASD participants were categorized as “very physically active” (27% vs 79%; P<0.001). BMD z scores were 0.7 to 1.2 standard deviations lower in ASD than typically developing controls at all locations. Higher animal protein, calcium, and phosphorus intakes were associated positively with bone density measures in boys with ASD. ConclusionsCompared to typically developing controls, boys with ASD had lower protein, calcium, and phosphorus intakes, activity levels, and BMD z scores at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, total hip, and whole body less head. Protein, calcium, and phosphorus intakes were associated positively with BMD.

Analysis of Age-Related Dynamics and Gender-Specific Characteristics of Spontaneous Bioelectrical Activity and Components of Auditory Evoked Potentials in Junior School Students Living in the Arctic Region of the Russian Federation

We studied neurophysiological characteristics of the age-related development in junior school students (7–8 and 10–11 years of age) living in the Arctic region of the Russian Federation. The background electroencephalograms (EEGs) were recorded during quiet wakefulness with the eyes closed and open, and event related potentials (ERP) were recorded during the passive perception of sound stimuli within the oddball paradigm in the group of children (33 subjects, 18 boys and 15 girls). A decrease of the latency period and the spatial rearrangement of mismatch negativity with an increase in the amplitude in the centrofrontal cortex have been revealed in the groups of children aged 10–11 years during the perception of a rare stimulus and a decrease of the latency period of the Р300 component in the central and parietal areas associated with the maturation of mechanisms for involuntary auditory attention. Age-specific differences in the components of auditory ERP (N1 and N2) have been shown during passive perception of rare and frequent sounds, which reflect the processes of the morphofunctional maturation of the brain cortex in healthy Arctic school students (an increase of the N1 component amplitude, a decrese of the amplitude and the latency period of the N2 component). The analysis of the background EEG characteristics has shown both the common features, such as a decrease with age of the EEG power in the Δ and θ bands in the eyes-open state, and the different direction and topographic specificities in the age-dependent reorganization of bioelectrical activity in boys and girls in the α1 and α2 EEG bands.

Increased Number of Circulating CD8/CD26 T Cells in the Blood of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Patients Is Associated with Augmented Binding of Adenosine Deaminase and Higher Muscular Strength Scores.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked disorder that leads to cardiac and skeletal myopathy. The complex immune activation in boys with DMD is incompletely understood. To better understand the contribution of the immune system into the progression of DMD, we performed a systematic characterization of immune cell subpopulations obtained from peripheral blood of DMD subjects and control donors. We found that the number of CD8 cells expressing CD26 (also known as adenosine deaminase complexing protein 2) was increased in DMD subjects compared to control. No differences, however, were found in the levels of circulating factors associated with pro-inflammatory activation of CD8/CD26 cells, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), granzyme B, and interferon-γ (IFNγ). The number of CD8/CD26 cells correlated directly with quantitative muscle testing (QMT) in DMD subjects. Since CD26 mediates binding of adenosine deaminase (ADA) to the T cell surface, we tested ADA-binding capacity of CD8/CD26 cells and the activity of bound ADA. We found that mononuclear cells (MNC) obtained from DMD subjects with an increased number of CD8/CD26 T cells had a greater capacity to bind ADA. In addition, these MNC demonstrated increased hydrolytic deamination of adenosine to inosine. Altogether, our data demonstrated that (1) an increased number of circulating CD8/CD26 T cells is associated with preservation of muscle strength in DMD subjects, and (2) CD8/CD26 T cells from DMD subjects mediated degradation of adenosine by adenosine deaminase. These results support a role for T cells in slowing the decline in skeletal muscle function, and a need for further investigation into contribution of CD8/CD26 T cells in the regulation of chronic inflammation associated with DMD.

Biocultural approach of the association between maturity and physical activity in youth

ObjectiveTo test the biocultural model through direct and indirect associations between biological maturation, adiposity, cardiorespiratory fitness, feelings of sadness, social relationships, and physical activity in adolescents. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted with 1,152 Brazilian adolescents aged between 10 and 17 years. Somatic maturation was estimated through Mirwald's method (peak height velocity). Physical activity was assessed through Baecke questionnaire (occupational, leisure, and sport contexts). Body mass index, body fat (sum of skinfolds), cardiorespiratory fitness (20-m shuttle run test), self-perceptions of social relationship, and frequency of sadness feelings were obtained for statistical modeling. ResultsSomatic maturation is directly related to sport practice and leisure time physical activity only among girls (β=0.12, p<0.05 and β=0.09, respectively, p<0.05). Moreover, biological (adiposity and cardiorespiratory fitness), psychological (sadness), and social (satisfaction with social relationships) variables mediated the association between maturity and physical activity in boys and for occupational physical activity in girls. In general, models presented good fit coefficients. ConclusionBiocultural model presents good fit and emotional/biological factors mediate part of the relationship between somatic maturation and physical activity.

“You Have to Play Like a Man, But Still be a Woman”: Young Female Colombians Negotiating Gender Through Participation in a Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) Organization

Colombian girls are not encouraged from playing sport due to gendered roles that idealize girls as “delicate” and reserve sport as an activity for boys. Since the early and mid-2000s girls living in two marginalized communities in Colombia have had the unique opportunity to participate in a sport for development and peace organization. Drawing on six months of ethnographic research, this paper explores how these young women are negotiating gender through their complex and limited participation in the organization. We argue these young women display an ambivalent position towards femininity and practice implicit feminism, which challenges gender norms. However, despite their feelings of agency and a creation of a “new” normal within their social bubble, evidence reveals traditional social structures continue to maintain the gender status quo.

Longitudinal Associations of Leptin and Adiponectin with Heart Rate Variability in Children.

For early prevention of cardiovascular disease, early detection and risk factor insights are necessary. The autonomic balance reflects cardiovascular risk and can be measured by heart rate variability (HRV). Therefore, our purpose is to examine associations between HRV and the energy-related biomarkers leptin and adiponectin in children. Participants of this study were Belgian children recruited for the longitudinal ChiBS study (year 2010–2012). HRV was measured and fasting blood samples were taken in 249 children at baseline (4.4–11.0 y) and 223 children at follow-up (6.7–12.2 y). Cross-sectional and longitudinal linear regression analyses were separated by sex and adjusted for age, socio-economic status, body fat%, negative emotions, puberty, and mean heart rate. Leptin was a negative cross-sectional and longitudinal predictor of parasympathetic activity in boys; while leptin in girls was cross-sectionally associated with higher LF and LF/HF suggesting sympathetic predominance. Adiponectin was a negative cross-sectional and longitudinal predictor of parasympathetic activity in boys; but when adjusting for mean heart rate, this effect disappeared and adiponectin was a positive cross-sectional and longitudinal predictor of parasympathetic activity in girls. These results stress the importance of considering sex differences and adjustment for heart rate in testing HRV predictors. Leptin seemed disadvantageous for the autonomic balance, while adiponectin seemed advantageous for the autonomic balance in girls only. More research is needed to see whether leptin and adiponectin are interesting in cardiovascular screening/prevention or in determining the cardiovascular gain during weight loss follow-up.

Differences in Resting-state Quantitative Electroencephalography Patterns in Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder with or without Comorbid Symptoms

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of comorbid psychiatric symptoms on quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG) activities in boys with the attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).MethodsAll participants were male students in the second, third or fourth grade in elementary school. Therefore, there were no significant differences in age or sex. Participants with ADHD were assigned to one of three groups: pure ADHD (n=22), ADHD with depressive symptoms (n=11), or ADHD with problematic internet use (n=19). The Korean version of the Children’s Depression Inventory and the Korean Internet Addiction Self-scale were used to assess depressive symptoms and problematic internet use, respectively. Resting-state EEG during eyes closed was recorded, and the absolute power of five frequency bands was analyzed: delta (1–4 Hz), theta (4–8 Hz), alpha (8–12 Hz), beta (12–30 Hz), and gamma (30–50 Hz).ResultsThe ADHD with problematic internet use group showed decreased absolute theta power at the central and posterior region compared with the pure ADHD group. However, The ADHD with depressive symptoms group showed no significant differences compared with the other groups.ConclusionThese findings will contribute to a better understanding of brain-based electrophysiological changes in children with ADHD in accordance with comorbid psychiatric symptoms.

Dynamic arm study: quantitative description of upper extremity function and activity of boys and men with duchenne muscular dystrophy

BackgroundTherapeutic management of upper extremity (UE) function of boys and men with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) requires sensitive and objective assessment. Therefore, we aimed to measure physiologic UE function of healthy subjects and DMD patients in different disease stages, and to evaluate the relation between these physiologic measures and functional UE scales.MethodsTwenty-three DMD patients and twenty healthy controls (7–23 years) participated in this explorative case–control study. Maximal muscle torque, maximal and normalized surface electromyography (sEMG) amplitudes, muscle thickness, echogenicity and maximal passive and active joint angles were measured. At activity level, Brooke upper extremity rating scale and the Performance of Upper Limb (PUL) scale were used.ResultsOutcome measures related to proximal UE function could discriminate between disease stages. Increased normalized sEMG amplitudes were found in patients, even in early disease stages. Maximal active joint angles showed the strongest relation to Brooke scale (R2 = 0.88) and PUL scale (R2 = 0.85).ConclusionsThe decline of muscle functions precedes the decline in performance of UE activities, and therefore may play a role in early detection of UE limitations. Increased sEMG levels demonstrate that DMD patients use more of their muscle capacity compared to healthy subjects, to perform daily activities. This might result in increased fatigability. Active maximal joint angles are highly related to functional scales, so preserving the ability to use the full range of motion is important for the performance of daily activities. Close monitoring of active joint angles could therefore help in starting interventions that minimize functional UE decline in DMD patients timely.

Promoting behaviors of healthiness in two domains of physical activity and nutrition statue in high school students

Background Youth' healthiness depends on their hygiene behaviors. Doing promoting behaviors of healthiness is one of best ways of health protect and control. This study aimed to investigate promoting behaviors of healthiness in two physical activity and nutrition statue domains in high school students. Materials and Methods: The study was descriptive-analytic of cross-sectional type study which was done on 800 students of second level of high school in Sabzevar- Iran, during 2015-2016. Sampling method was as clustered and tool of collecting data was questionnaire include: first part demographic information and second part standard of healthiness promoting behaviors (HPLP). Data were entered into using Stata version 12.0 after collecting and were analyzed with statistical-descriptive and Chi-square tests. Results: Average of physical activity in boys and girls were 18.27 ± 5.38 and 13.8 ± 6.3, respectively. There was a significant relationship between rate of students' physical activity with level of parents' education and educational grades of students. Boys had more physical activity compared to girls in terms of gender (P 0.05); while, there was significant relationship between favorable nutritional statue and their educational grade levels, educational field and parents' occupation in students (P<0.05). Conclusion In current study, female students had less physical activity and required programming to improve more physical activities among girls. Parents who had higher educational level, their children had more suitable pattern in terms of physical activity and nutrition statue.

THE IMPACT OF THE NUCLEAR FAMILY IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF GENDER ROLES IN CHILDREN BETWEEN 3 AND 7 YEARS AGE

The family is the foundation of society. Without it, there would be no development, prosperity and continuity of life. The influence of family affects our life including the development of gender roles in children aged 3-7 years. Family Education is the basis of any subsequent education, because personality and personal identity is formed there. Family also plays an important role in the socialization of gender roles in the ways they organize the environment for the child. This study aims to address the impact of the nuclear family, on the formation of the concept of gender roles as well as gender discrimination for boys and girls aged 3-7 years. We have used the qualitive method, through which we aim to highlight how do parents with their behavior influence the formation of gender roles, by including each other in activities of daily life and engagement in the division of housework. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of the nuclear family in the formation of gender identity in children aged 3-7 years old in Albanian society. The study was conducted in the city of Elbasan. The findings of this study were identified from the viewpoint of couples who have children of both sexes. From data analysis, we have concluded that the nuclear family has great influence on the formation of gender roles of boys and girls aged 3-7 years. Men were seen as more focused and directed in the public area, while women in the private sphere. The impacts in the formation of gender roles were seen from the difference in colors, toys and children activities - activities for boys and activities for girls. Article visualizations:

Differences in physical activity, nutritional behaviours, and body silhouette concern among boys and girls from selected european countries

PurposeThe aim of the study was to evaluate the physical activity level, nutritional behaviours, and body silhouette concern in 15–17-year-old boys and girls from Eastern European countries.MethodsThe research, carried out in 2015, involved 2145 secondary school adolescents, including 877 boys and 1268 girls (mean = 16.5, &lt;i&gt;SD&lt;/i&gt; = 2.0). The results of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Health Behaviours Questionnaire were analysed.ResultsThe questionnaire results allowed to conclude that boys were definitely more active than girls. A significant relationship between physical activity and the number of meals was found. Another significant relationship was observed between higher physical activity in boys who wanted to gain weight and in girls who wanted to lose weight.ConclusionsBoth boys and girls have positive attitudes towards their health with regard to their level of physical activity, nutritional behaviours, and body silhouette concern. A significant relationship was found in the interrelationship among the features considered, with simultaneous gender differentiation.

Physical Activity in Boys With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Is Lower and Less Demanding Compared to Healthy Boys.

This study describes the amount of physical activity and perception of physical activity in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) compared to healthy boys. A questionnaire described 6 domains of physical activity. Four Duchenne muscular dystrophy subgroups were made: early and late ambulatory, nonambulatory with relative good, or limited arm function. Eighty-four boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (15.0 ± 6.4 years) and 198 healthy boys (14.0 ± 4.3 years) participated. Daily activities were more passive for boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Physical activity was less and low demanding compared to healthy boys. It decreased with disease severity ( P < .05), whereas screen time increased ( P < .05). Benefits of physical activity in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy were having fun and making friends. Barriers were lack of sport facilities and insufficient health. This study helps to quantify poor engagement in physical activity by boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and demonstrates factors that contribute to it. Suggestions to stimulate physical activity are made.

Associations of sedentary behavior and physical activity with physical measurements and dyslipidemia in school-age children: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundPhysical activity and sedentary behavior are common factors influencing cardiovascular health. However, how school and leisure-time activity/sedentary behavior are associated with physical fitness and blood lipid levels in primary school children in consideration of gender disparity remains unclear.MethodsData was obtained from a health and nutrition survey on primary school children from nine areas in China. The association between physical activities/sedentary behaviors (school and leisure-time physical activity levels, screen time, and other sedentary behaviors) and anthropometric measurements/prevalence of dyslipidemia were examined by multilevel analysis (the individual level, class level, grade level, and investigation area level) adjusted for age, energy intake and family income.ResultsA total of 770 participants (average age = 9.4 ± 1.7 years) were included. Prevalence of dyslipidemia was 10.9%. Prevalence of dyslipidemia was associated with screen time in boys [OR = 3.04, 95% CI (1.24–7.45)] and inversely associated with leisure-time physical activity in boys [OR = 2.22, 95% CI (1.08–4.56)] and school-time activity in girls [OR = 5.34, 95% CI (1.18–24.16)].ConclusionsPhysical activity—but not sedentary behavior—was significantly associated with dyslipidemia in both genders. Increasing leisure-time physical activity for boys and school-time physical activity for girls may be critical.

P.323 - Duchenne dynamic arm study: Quantitative description of upper extremity function and activity of boys and men with DMD

P.323 - Duchenne dynamic arm study: Quantitative description of upper extremity function and activity of boys and men with DMD

Physical Activity in Early Adolescence and Pulmonary Function Gain From 15 to 18 Years of Age in a Birth Cohort in Brazil.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between physical activity from 11 to 15 years of age and pulmonary function (PF) gain from 15 to 18 years of age among adolescents in a birth cohort in Brazil. Longitudinal analysis of the individuals participating in the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study. Physical activity was assessed by self-report at ages 11 and 15, spirometry was performed at ages 15 and 18 (n = 3571). Outcome variables assessed were gains in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and peak expiratory flow (PEF). Crude and adjusted linear regressions, stratified by sex, and mediation analyses were performed. Boys who were active (leisure-time and total physical activity) at ages 11 and 15 had higher gains in FEV1, FVC, and PEF than those who were inactive. Vigorous-intensity physical activity in boys was also associated with FEV1 and FVC gains. Mediation analyses showed that height at age 18 accounted for 5% to 75% of the association between physical activity and PF gains. No significant associations were found among girls. Physical activity in early adolescence is associated with gains in PF by the end of adolescence in boys.

25(oh) Vitamin D Is Associated With Cardiorespiratory Fitness In Preschool- Aged Boys, But Not In Girls

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with poor cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescents and adults, but this association is unclear in preschool aged children. PURPOSE: to determine the association between serum 25(OH)D concentration and cardiorespiratory fitness in preschool-aged children, and whether these are any gender differences in this association. METHODS:The participants were 137 preschool children (45% were girls) aged 4 and 5 years (mean height: 112.1±4.9 cm; weight: 20.5±3.4kg) participated in this study. Cardiorespiratory fitness (maximal oxygen uptake, VO2max) was measured with the 20-meter shuttle run test. Fasting blood samples were collected for the determination of plasma 25(OH)D and iPTH concentrations using commercially available ELISA kits. Multiple linear regressions were used to assess whether serum 25(OH)D concentration was associated with VO2max adjusted for potential confounding variables (BMI, season, and physical activity). RESULTS:The mean 25(OH)D concentration was 58.1±14.3 nmol/L, 29.9% of children were 25(OH)D deficient (<50 nmol/L), and 56.2% of children had insufficient 25(OH)D (50-75 nmol/L). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that Serum 25(OH)D concentration was positively associated with VO2max independently of BMI, season, and objectively measured physical activity in boys (Beta = 0.22, P = 0.046), but not in girls (Beta = 0.02, P = 0.904). CONCLUSIONS:These findings suggest that serum 25(OH)D concentration is independently and positively related to cardiorespiratory fitness in preschool-aged boys, but not in girls. These findings indicate that the prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency may help to maintain and improve cardiorespiratory fitness in preschool-aged boys.

Physical Activity During Adolescence and Lung Function Gain from 15 to 18 Years of Age

A low prevalence of physical activity is found in all age groups worldwide. Although physical activity is associated with many health outcomes, the relationship with lung function remains poorly elucidated in the literature. PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between physical activity from 11 to 15 years of age with lung function gain from 15 to 18 years of age among adolescents belonging to a birth cohort in Brazil. METHODS: 5,249 live births in Pelotas (Brazil) participated in the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study. At ages 11, 15, and 18 years, all participants were sought for followed-up (follow-up rates: 87.5%, 85.7% and 81.3%, respectively). Physical activity (leisure-time and total) was self-reported at 11 and 15 years, while spirometric tests were performed at 15 and 18 years. Outcome variables were gains in forced expiratory volume in one second, forced vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow expressed as z-scores. Crude and adjusted linear regressions, stratified by sex, were performed. RESULTS: In adjusted analyses active boys at 11 and 15 years in leisure-time and total physical activity had higher gains in forced expiratory volume in one second (β=0.177; 95%CI:0.063;0.290, β=0.137; 95%CI:0.017;0.258), forced vital capacity (β=0.146; 95%CI:0.054;0.237, β=0.113; 95%CI:0.016;0.210), and peak expiratory flow (β=0.202; 95%CI:0066;0.338, β=0.149; 95%CI:0.005;0.293) than inactive ones. Vigorous-intensity physical activity in boys was also associated with gains in forced expiratory volume in one second (β=0.136; 95%CI:0.016;0.257) and forced vital capacity (β=0.112; 95%CI:0.015;0.209). Furthermore, the analyses of the association between active periods and lung function gain showed a significant trend for boys, with a dose-response effect. It was also observed that boys who were only active at 11 age years had greater lung function gains than the never-active boys. On the other hand, boys who were only active at age 15 years did not have higher gains in lung function than never-active boys. No significant associations were found for girls. CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity in early adolescence is associated with lung function gain by the end of adolescence among boys.

Mothers and Fathers Both Matter: The Positive Influence of Parental Physical Activity Modelling on Children's Leisure-Time Physical Activity.

To investigate associations between maternal and paternal sport participation, and children's leisure-time physical activity, and to explore differences by child gender. The sample comprised 737 year five students (mean age: 11.0 ± 0.6 years, 52% male) recruited through the Fit for Pisa Project which was conducted in 2008 at 6 secondary schools in Goettingen, Germany. Maternal and paternal sport participation were assessed through child reports of mothers' and fathers' weekly participation in sport. Children's leisure-time physical activity was measured as minutes/week that children engaged in organized and nonorganized sport. Multiple linear regression was used to assess associations between maternal and paternal sport participation, and children's leisure-time physical activity. Both maternal and paternal sport participation were positively associated with children's leisure-time physical activity (maternal: b = 34.20, p < .001; paternal: b = 25.32, p < .05). When stratifying analyses by child gender, maternal sport participation remained significantly associated with leisure-time physical activity in girls (b = 60.64, p < .001). In contrast, paternal sport participation remained significantly associated with leisure-time physical activity in boys (b = 43.88, p < .01). Both maternal and paternal modeling positively influence children's leisure-time physical activity.