High Sports Participation Research Articles

Sports participation moderates the risk of family-specific negative life events on alcohol use among adolescents: Evidence from the longitudinal MyLife study

Negative life events (NLE) have been associated with increased alcohol use (AU) during adolescence. However, whether this risk association may be modified by leisure activities such as sports participation (SP) remains poorly understood. This study examined whether accumulated family-specific NLE in particular were associated with greater AU, and if so, whether SP moderated this association to reduce AU among high-NLE adolescents.We examined five annual assessments from a nationwide cohort of 3,422 Norwegian adolescents (13–15 year-olds; 55.3 % girls at baseline) who participated in the MyLife study. At each assessment, adolescents reported their AU on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Concise (AUDIT-C), the number of family-specific NLE in the past 12 months, SP days in the past 30 days, and multiple sociodemographic and individual-level characteristics (covariates). Changes over time in AU as a function of NLE, SP, and their interaction (NLExSP) were examined with a set of partially nested growth curve models.AU increased non-linearly over time in all models. The fully adjusted best-fitting model showed significant NLExSP interactions (estimate = -0.013, 95% CI [-0.02, −0.006]), such that the initial AUDIT-C scores were lower for high-NLE adolescents with high SP and greater for high-NLE adolescents with low SP. Further, linear increases in AU over time were marginally steeper for high-NLE adolescents with high SP (NLExSPxTime estimate = 0.034, 95% CI [-0.0002, 0.007]). Thus, SP appeared to have a protective role in reducing AU for high-NLE youth primarily during middle school years. Prevention efforts thus may utilize organized sports for youth facing family-specific NLE as a resource early on.

Organized Youth Sports Trajectories and Adult Health Outcomes: The Young Finns Study

This study identified the trajectories of organized youth sports over 9 years in youths aged 9-18 years and examined whether the trajectories predicted physical activity, sedentary behavior, and obesity in midlife. Self-reported organized youth sports trajectories were identified for participants between 1980 and 1989 (N=3,474). Accelerometer-derived physical activity was quantified for participants (n=1,349) in 2018-2020. Sociodemographic, physical activity, and TV viewing data were collected through questionnaires either at baselines or follow-up. Adult BMI was calculated to clarify obesity. Associations of organized youth sports trajectories with adult physical activity, sedentary behavior, and obesity were evaluated using mixture models, which were stratified by sex and conducted in 2022. Three organized youth sports trajectories were identified for boys and girls (sustained high-sports participation, 12.0%/7.5%; sustained moderate-sports participation, 14.0%/13.3%; and low-sports/nonparticipation, 74.0%/79.2%). Boys sustaining both moderate- and high-sports participation had higher levels of adult self-reported physical activity (β=0.59, p=0.007; β=0.69, p<0.001) than low-sports/nonparticipating boys. Girls sustaining both moderate- and high-sports participation accumulated more total physical activity (β=113.4, p=0.009; β=144.3, p=0.002), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (β=7.86, p=0.016; β=14.01, p<0.001), step counts (β=1,020, p=0.003; β=1,045, p=0.005), and self-reported physical activity (β=0.79, p<0001; β=0.63, p=0.003) in midlife than their low-sports/nonparticipating counterparts. Girls sustaining moderate-sports participation accumulated more light-intensity physical activity (β=19.79, p=0.012) and less sedentary time (β= -27.65, p=0.002), and those sustaining high-sports participation had lower obesity prevalence (OR=0.41, p=0.009) 40 years later than low-sports/nonparticipating girls. Sustained participation in organized youth sports is independently predictive of physical activity patterns, sedentary time, and obesity in midlife, especially in girls, thus contributing to the development of a healthy and active lifestyle across the life course.

The Effects of High School Basketball Player's Sports Participation Motivation on Achievement Goal Orientation and Achievement Behaviors.

Background:Although the motivation to set goals and taking steps to achieve them is essential for athletes wishing to progress to a professional level, motives for participating in sports vary depending on personal and physical characteristics. We aimed to investigate the effect of motivation to participate in sports on achievement goal orientation and achievement behavior in high-school basketball players.Methods:The study included 256 female high-school basketball players from Busan, Korea, and was conducted between September and October 2020. The questionnaires obtained data regarding motivation to participate in sports, achievement goal orientation, and achievement behavior. Structural equation modeling was used for data analysis.Results:Motivation to participate in sports exhibited a significant positive correlation with achievement goal orientation (P<0.05). Specifically, motivation related to the development of technical skills and achieving a sense of fulfillment, amusement, and health exerted a positive effect on task-goal orientation. Greater motivation related to technical skill development, attaining a sense of accomplishment, and improving health was associated with greater self-goal orientation. Additionally, achievement goal orientation exerted a significant positive effect on achievement behavior (P<0.05).Conclusion:Given the relative unpopularity of basketball in Korea, it is crucial for players to develop high achievement goal orientation and engage in real efforts to translate such motivation into action. This goal- and achievement-oriented attitude should precede motivation for participating in basketball.

Clinical, Functional, and Physical Activity Outcomes 5 Years Following the Treatment Algorithm of the Delaware-Oslo ACL Cohort Study.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries can be treated with or without ACL reconstruction (ACLR), and more high-quality studies evaluating outcomes after the different treatment courses are needed. The purpose of the present study was to describe and compare 5-year clinical, functional, and physical activity outcomes for patients who followed our decision-making and treatment algorithm and chose (1) early ACLR with preoperative and postoperative rehabilitation, (2) delayed ACLR with preoperative and postoperative rehabilitation, or (3) progressive rehabilitation alone. Early ACLR was defined as that performed ≤6 months after the preoperative rehabilitation program, and late ACLR was defined as that performed >6 months after the preoperative rehabilitation program. We included 276 patients from a prospective cohort study. The patients had been active in jumping, pivoting, and cutting sports before the injury and sustained a unilateral ACL injury without substantial concomitant knee injuries. The patients chose their treatment through a shared decision-making process. At 5 years, we assessed the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form (IKDC-SKF), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Marx Activity Rating Scale, sports participation, quadriceps muscle strength, single-legged hop performance, and new ipsilateral and contralateral knee injuries. The 5-year follow-up rate was 80%. At 5 years, 64% of the patients had undergone early ACLR, 11% had undergone delayed ACLR, and 25% had had progressive rehabilitation alone. Understandably, the choices that participants made differed by age, concomitant injuries, symptoms, and predominantly level-I versus level-II preinjury activity level. There were no significant differences in any clinical, functional, or physical activity outcomes among the treatment groups. Across treatment groups, 95% to 100% of patients were still active in some kind of sports and 65% to 88% had IKDC-SKF and KOOS scores above the threshold for a patient acceptable symptom state. Patients with ACL injury who were active in jumping, pivoting, and cutting sports prior to injury; who had no substantial concomitant knee injuries; and who followed our decision-making and treatment algorithm had good 5-year knee function and high sport participation rates. Three of 4 patients had undergone ACLR within 5 years. There were no significant differences in any outcomes among patients treated with early ACLR, delayed ACLR, or progressive rehabilitation alone. Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Factors Associated With Concussion Nondisclosure in Collegiate Student-Athletes.

Mandated concussion education has aimed to improve student-athlete knowledge; however, some collegiate student-athletes continue to not disclose concussion. Concussion knowledge may not be the only factor influencing reporting, as student-athlete sex, sport, and pressure from external stakeholders (eg, coaches, teammates, fans, parents or family) have all been documented as influencing collegiate concussion-reporting behavior. To examine factors associated with concussion nondisclosure in collegiate student-athletes. Cross-sectional study. Four National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and two Division II universities. A total of 1125 collegiate student-athletes completed the survey, and 741 provided viable responses and were included for data analysis. We used a 10- to 15-minute electronic or paper-and-pencil survey that asked about personal and sport demographics, diagnosed concussions and nondisclosed concussion history, concussion knowledge, and level of agreement regarding pressure to play after a head impact experienced during collegiate sport participation. Significant univariable factors were entered into a multivariable logistic regression analysis. Sex (P = .005), sport-risk type (P < .001), diagnosed concussion history (P < .001), concussion knowledge (P = .017), and pressure from coaches (P < .001), teammates (P < .001), fans (P = .024), and parents or family (P = .003) were factors associated with concussion nondisclosure in individual univariable logistic regressions. After we conducted multivariable analyses, male sex (P = .001), high concussion-risk sport participation (P = .048), diagnosed concussion history (P < .001), increased concussion knowledge (P = .013), and experiencing pressure from coaches to continue playing after sustaining a hit to the head (P = .002) were factors associated with concussion nondisclosure in collegiate student-athletes. Our results suggest that concussion-education programs should go beyond the identification of signs and symptoms to include the dangers of continuing to play, long-term consequences, and transparency about concussion protocols. Comprehensive concussion-education programs should involve coaches and athletes to improve the reporting culture.

Predictors of Concussion Nondisclosure in Collegiate Student-Athletes.

Mandated concussion education has aimed to improve student-athlete knowledge; however, some collegiate student-athletes continue to not disclose concussion. Concussion knowledge may not be the only factor influencing reporting, as student-athlete sex, sport, and pressure from external stakeholders (eg, coaches, teammates, fans, parents or family) have all been documented as influencing collegiate concussion-reporting behavior. To examine predictors of concussion nondisclosure in collegiate student-athletes. Cross-sectional study. Four National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and two Division II universities. A total of 1125 collegiate student-athletes completed the survey, and 741 provided viable responses and were included for data analysis. We used a 10- to 15-minute electronic or paper-and-pencil survey that asked about personal and sport demographics, diagnosed concussions and nondisclosed concussion history, concussion knowledge, and level of agreement regarding pressure to play after a head impact experienced during collegiate sport participation. Significant univariable predictor variables were entered into a multivariable logistic regression analysis. Sex (P = .005), sport-risk type (P < .001), diagnosed concussion history (P < .001), concussion knowledge (P = .017), and pressure from coaches (P < .001), teammates (P < .001), fans (P = .024), and parents or family (P = .003) were predictors of concussion nondisclosure in individual univariable logistic regressions. After we conducted multivariable analyses, male sex (P = .001), high concussion-risk sport participation (P = .048), diagnosed concussion history (P < .001), increased concussion knowledge (P = .013), and experiencing pressure from coaches to continue playing after sustaining a hit to the head (P = .002) were predictors of concussion nondisclosure in collegiate student-athletes. Our results suggest that concussion-education programs should go beyond the identification of signs and symptoms to include the dangers of continuing to play, long-term consequences, and transparency about concussion protocols. Comprehensive concussion-education programs should involve coaches and athletes to improve the reporting culture.

Long term trends in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth sport participation 2005–2019

ABSTRACT Physical activity is essential for good health and sport participation is an important contributor to physical activity. Sport can achieve many health and broader social benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (Indigenous Australians). Children’s physical activity typically declines during teenage years. This study examined 14-year sport participation trends among youth aged 15–19 years. Indigenous youth sport participant levels were lower than non-Indigenous levels. The highest sports participation level was 80.1% (non-Indigenous males, 2016); the lowest was 56.8% (Indigenous females, 2018). Lower sport participation was reported by females compared to males in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups in each survey year with the lowest levels found among Indigenous females. These findings challenge current discourses of high Indigenous sport participation. A comprehensive understanding of the factors related to sports participation is required to inform future strategies and programmes to increase participation and contribute to closing health and broader equity gaps.

Bone marrow stimulation for talar osteochondral lesions at long-term follow-up shows a high sports participation though a decrease in clinical outcomes over time

PurposeAlthough bone marrow stimulation (BMS) as a treatment for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OCLT) shows high rates of sport resumption at short-term follow-up, it is unclear whether the sports activity is still possible at longer follow-up. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to evaluate sports activity after arthroscopic BMS at long-term follow-up.MethodsSixty patients included in a previously published randomized-controlled trial were analyzed in the present study. All patients had undergone arthroscopic debridement and BMS for OCLT. Return to sports, level, and type were assessed in the first year post-operative and at final follow-up. Secondary outcome measures were assessed by standardized questionnaires with use of numeric rating scales for pain and satisfaction and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS).ResultsThe mean follow-up was 6.4 years (SD ± 1.1 years). The mean level of activity measured with the AAS was 6.2 pre-injury and 3.4 post-injury. It increased to 5.2 at 1 year after surgery and was 5.8 at final follow-up. At final follow-up, 54 patients (90%) participated in 16 different sports. Thirty-three patients (53%) indicated they returned to play sport at their pre-injury level. Twenty patients (33%) were not able to obtain their pre-injury level of sport because of ankle problems and eight other patients (13%) because of other reasons. Mean NRS for pain during rest was 2.7 pre-operative, 1.1 at 1 year, and 1.0 at final follow-up. Mean NRS during activity changed from 7.9 to 3.7 to 4.4, respectively. The FAOS scores improved at 1 year follow-up, but all subscores significantly decreased at final follow-up.ConclusionAt long-term follow-up (mean 6.4 years) after BMS for OCLT, 90% of patients still participate in sports activities, of whom 53% at pre-injury level. The AAS of the patients participating in sports remains similar pre-injury and post-operatively at final follow-up. A decrease over time in clinical outcomes was, however, seen when the follow-up scores at 1 year post-operatively were compared with the final follow-up.Level of evidenceLevel II.

중국 대학 교원의 심리적 탄력성과 직업적 탈진의 관계 : 레져 활동 참여의 조절효과

Purpose: In order to clarify the mechanism of psychological resilience on job burnout, a moderating model was proposed to explore in the relationship between them and the moderating role of sports and leisure participation.<BR> Methods: Taking 278 college teachers as subjects, questionnaires were used to investigate their job burnout, psychological resilience, and participation in leisure sports.<BR> Results: (1) after controlling gender, marital status, position and teaching age, psychological resilience has a significant positive predictive effect on job burnout; (2) The psychological resilience of college teachers is regulated by the participation of leisure sports.<BR> Conclusion: Compared with college teachers with low leisure sports participation, the indirect effect of the model is more significant for college teachers with high leisure sports participation.

Prevention of Overweight and Hypertension through Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Extracurricular Sport Participation among South African Schoolchildren

Hypertension and overweight are growing public health concerns in school-aged children. We examined whether cardiorespiratory fitness and sport participation contribute to the prevention of hypertension and overweight. We conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial with 853 children aged 8–13 years in eight primary schools in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Cardiorespiratory fitness, sport participation, body mass index, and blood pressure were assessed at baseline and after a physical activity intervention, which took place at two time-points (July–September 2015 and February–April 2016) for 10 weeks each. Mixed logistic regressions were employed to analyze the data. At baseline, 18.8% of the children were classified as overweight/obese and 13.5% as hypertensive. High cardiorespiratory fitness and high sport participation were negatively associated with overweight/obesity, while high sport participation was associated with lower risk for hypertension. Longitudinally, normal weight children who initially had higher cardiorespiratory fitness showed less decrease in this variable, while those who participated in the physical activity intervention were less likely to become overweight/obese. High cardiorespiratory fitness and sport participation are linked with children’s weight status. Children who are fit and participate regularly in sport outside school hours are less likely to be hypertensive. Our findings highlight the importance of regular extracurricular physical activity and maintaining cardiorespiratory fitness levels.

Monitoring physical and motor traits in primary school: a local harmful situation for older children.

Health-related testing in school environments may be led by PE lessons facilities, which represent an optimal context. Aiming to investigate the developmental trajectories of physical and motor traits during PE lessons, we recruited 381 children in grades 1, 2, 4 and 5 of primary school in Abruzzo, Italy. We included anthropometric indexes (Body Mass Index and Waist-to-Height Ratio) and fitness tests, i.e. 4×10 m Shuttle Run test (4×10 SR), handgrip strength test, and standing long jump test (LJ). We also included two fine motor skills (FMS) tests and collected data about sports participation. Gender differences were found about sports participation (boys were more involved in open-skills sports) and motor skills, with girls outperforming boys in FMS and vice versa in fitness measures, even if with small evidence. There was an increment in all the tests with age, with the most robust evidence about handgrip strength and FMS. School clustering had a significant random effect on some fitness measures (4×10 SR and LJ). Despite high sports participation, an impairment in older children was detected, with a special alarm in older boys about metabolic risk. The small-to-moderate correlations between parameters suggest that there are similarities in the developmental trajectories, but also that it should be assessed a wide range of motor skills and anthropometric indexes. In conclusion, we support the assessment of gender-and-context-related developmental trajectories in the school setting, by the mean of fitness measures, anthropometric indexes, and FMS, to be compared with local and general references, as evidence-based planning of PE interventions.

Sports participation and sports injuries in Dutch boys with haemophilia.

IntroductionSports participation in children with hemophilia is generally considered to be associated with increased injury risk, which is generally considered highest in severe hemophilia.AimTo assess sports participation according to age and severity in children with hemophilia and its association with sports injuries.MethodsIn a retrospective single‐center study, sports participation, injuries, and bleeding data from three consecutive annual clinic visits were collected for young patients with hemophilia (PWH, aged 6‐18). Sports in categories 2.5 and 3 of 3 according to the National Hemophilia Foundation classification were considered high‐risk. Groups were compared using chi‐square testing.Results105 PWH (median age: 13(IQR 10‐14); 53% severe; bleeding rate: 1/y) were identified; three were unable to perform sports and were excluded. The majority of PWH (77%) played sports weekly, of which 80% high‐risk sports. Sports participation (median 3.0x/wk), and the proportion of injured PWH was similar in severe (42%) and non‐severe (33%) PWH. Sports injuries were rare (65% no injuries in 3 years, median 0/y (IQR 0‐1)). Annually, PWH did not report more injuries (15%) than age‐matched boys (28%). Sports injuries were not associated with frequency and type of sports.DiscussionThis retrospective study showed high sports participation (including high‐risk sports) and low injury rates. Sports participation was similar across severities and injury rates were not higher than among the general population. Injuries were not associated with frequency or type of sports. A prospective study with objective assessment of sports participation and injuries is warranted to confirm these findings and avoid recall bias.

Lifestyle clusters and academic achievement in Australian Indigenous children: Empirical findings and discussion of ecological levers for closing the gap.

Participation in sport and physical activity can improve academic outcomes and has been identified as a potential mechanism for addressing educational disadvantage and ‘closing the gap’ in Australian Indigenous communities.To explore this possibility in relation to sport and lifestyle we performed a cluster analysis on data from the Footprints in Time study (also known as the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children), using data from Waves 3–6 (2010–2013, ages 5–9 years) of this cohort study. Cluster inputs were organised according to not only sports participation, but also screen time, sleep duration and unhealthy food intake, as reported in parent surveys. Associations between lifestyle cluster membership and academic outcomes from standardised tests from 2014-5 (Progressive Achievement Tests [PATs] for Maths and Reading, and National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy [NAPLAN]) were examined using linear models. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, remoteness and parental education.Three clusters were identified: Low Sport (36% of sample), characterised by low sports participation and low sleep duration; Junk Food Screenies (21% of sample), with high screen time and high intake of unhealthy foods; and High Sport (43% of sample), showing high sports participation and low screen time. Cluster membership was associated with academic performance for NAPLAN Literacy and Numeracy, and for PAT Maths. The High Sport cluster consistently performed better on these tests, with effect sizes (standardised mean differences) ranging from 0.10 to 0.38.We discuss the ecological dynamics potentially contributing to lifestyle cluster membership and ways in which policy can support healthier High Sport lifestyles associated with better academic performance.

Friend, foe, or both? A retrospective exploration of sibling relationships in elite youth sport

With the abundance of literature focusing on parental influence in sport, it is important to identify family dynamics that extend beyond parents to include siblings. In this study, sibling influence was explored through retrospective interviews with former elite youth female athletes (N = 4) and their sibling (n = 4) of the same sex who participated in the same sport. The purpose was to discover how siblings influence high performance sport participation. Two categories emerged from the data: positive experiences participating in the same sport (e.g. growth of relationship, development of understanding) and negative experiences participating in the same sport (e.g. sibling competition, emotional response). The participants’ descriptions coincide with observational learning and both deidentification and divergence processes. The data adds to the probable sibling experiences proposed in the Developmental Model of Sport Participation and provides insight on managing sibling relations in sport. Implications and practical applications of these findings are discussed.

Exploring strategies to improve the health promotion orientation of Flemish sports clubs.

Sports clubs are increasingly recognized as an innovative setting for health promotion, as exemplified by the health promoting sports club concept. This study aims to assess the health promotion orientation of both youth sports clubs (YSC) and adult sports clubs (ASC) in Flanders and to identify the motives and barriers as reported by their representatives as a basis for proposing intervention strategies to improve the health promotion orientation in sports clubs. A total of 253 Flemish sports clubs, consisting of 156 YSC and of 97 ASC, completed the online questionnaire, covering club characteristics (e.g. finances, human resources), perceived motives and barriers for health promotion and the health promoting sports club index. Even though YSC were more health promoting than ASC, the results indicated that all sports clubs could improve their health promotion orientation. The most consistent predictors of health promotion orientation are perceived motives index for YSC and perceived lack of resources for ASC. Based on these results, interventions to enhance the health promoting orientation need to tackle the lack of resources such as lack of expertise regarding health promotion. Interventions aimed specifically at YSC should emphasize the direct benefits, for example by demonstrating how health promotion helps clubs to improve the provision of high quality sports participation and by awarding a health promotion quality label.

Passive Leadership Is Unlikely Among Hospitality Managers With High-Level Youth Sports Participation

Undergraduate hospitality students enter the workforce expected to embody proactive leadership styles needed to manage high turnover or advanced technology systems. This study examined the impact of low and high youth sports participation on effective leadership styles. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) 5X short-form instrument was utilized to examine leadership styles among a group of undergraduate students consisting of a random sample of 170 students from 2 midwestern institutions. A chi-square test found a significant difference between low and high youth sports participation in regard to effective leadership styles. A logistic regression analysis determined that undergraduate hospitality students with high youth sport experiences were less likely to exhibit passive leadership.

Trends in sport participation at South African universities

Higher education institutions provide students with a relatively well-resourced and specialised environment for recreation and high performance sport participation. The relatively short duration of an athletic career contributes to role conflict of being a student and athlete with parallel sets of influences towards professional socialisation. The student-athlete as a unique population and their organisational management is faced with many issues, including the issue of inclusion, ethnic diversity, gender disenfranchisement and risk behaviours. The participation figures of sixteen universities obtained through two questionnaires, six interviews and nineteen focus groups reveal high success rates in league competitions, ranging between 62.1 per cent and 86.6 per cent for finishing in the first three positions. With an adaptation to the exact figure of 7 552, an estimated 10 000 students participated in league competitions in 2008. Three clusters based on number of participants emerged. Overall league participants represented a gender bias of 5 857 males (58.5%), 3 343 females (41.5%), and 606 athletes playing in mixed teams. The sports of the six universities with the highest numbers include rugby (n=1 270), hockey (n=1 248), cricket (n=748), football (n=537), netball (n=420), athletics (n=388), basketball (n=168), tennis (n=126) and volleyball (n=120). Issues of inclusion and gender equality should be addressed, as the majority of sports uphold the ethos of masculinity. Other social issues that warranted research and action include sporadic binge drinking, risk behaviour and role-conflict of being a student and athlete often experiencing contradictory and unreasonable expectations.

Measuring sports participation in the Netherlands – the need to go beyond guidelines

Introduction: Sport is a social category. What people label as sport, varies historically and across cultures. That makes it difficult to compare outcomes of sports participation research. In this article, we will draw out how and to what extent methodological differences have influenced outcomes of Dutch sports participation surveys. In addition, we will go into attempts to enhance comparability between surveys by issuing a Guideline for Sports participation Research (GSR).Methods: secondary analyses were performed on different sports participation surveys in the Netherlands. In addition, we report on two specific case studies to describe why outcomes of sports participation research differ between surveys, even if they appear to use similar questions. Also we go into the experiences with the GSR.Results: the Netherlands are characterized by a high sports participation rate. Incomparability of sport research appear to stem from three different aspects: (1) sampling and fieldwork, (2) question formulation and (3) analysis procedures. It was found that sports participa-tion was positively correlated with response, meaning that social surveys generally overestimate sports participation rates. Experiences with the GSR learn that in order to enhance our understanding of sports participation, it is simply not enough to issue guidelines on how to conduct the research. There is a clear need for more coordinated research.

Swiss sports participation in an international perspective

Switzerland is an interesting test case for international comparisons of sports participation. On the one hand, sports at the intersection of the ‘English’ and the ‘German’ model have a long tradition in Switzerland. On the other hand, the three linguistic regions (French, Italian and German) of the country point to a number of cultural differences with respect to sport which also shed some light on differences at an international level.The article presents data from three 2007 Swiss surveys that included questions on sports participation: the Swiss Health Survey, Sport Switzerland, and the Swiss Household Panel. Depending on the survey used to estimate participation rates, about two thirds (SHS) to three quarters (SPOCH, SHP) of the Swiss population participate in sport at least occasionally. In an international comparison based on recent Eurobarometer data, Switzerland emerges as one of the countries with the highest sports participation rates. However, sports participation varies between the linguistic regions as well as with respect to age, gender, citizenship and socioeconomic status. An international comparison further shows that Switzerland has comparatively high sports participation rates but that differences between linguistic regions and according to respondents’ country of origin are closely linked to differences between countries thus suggesting an impact of historical, cultural and economic factors.

Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Patterns Are Associated With Selected Adolescent Health Risk Behaviors

Little is known about how physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, and various adolescent health risk behaviors are associated. The objective of this study was to examine relationships between PA and sedentary behavior patterns and an array of risk behaviors, including leading causes of adolescent morbidity/mortality. Nationally representative self-reported data were collected (National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health; wave I: 1994-1995; II: 1996; N = 11957). Previously developed and validated cluster analyses identified 7 homogeneous groups of adolescents sharing PA and sedentary behaviors. Poisson regression predicted the relative risk of health risk behaviors, other weekly activities, and self-esteem across the 7 PA/sedentary behavior clusters controlling for demographics and socioeconomic status. Main outcome measures were adolescent risk behaviors (eg, truancy, cigarette smoking, sexual intercourse, delinquency), other weekly activities (eg, work, academic performance, sleep), self-esteem. Relative to high television (TV) and video viewers, adolescents in clusters characterized by skating and video gaming, high overall sports and sports participation with parents, using neighborhood recreation center, strict parental control of TV, reporting few activities overall, and being active in school were less likely to participate in a range of risky behaviors, ranging from an adjusted risk ratio (ARR) of 0.42 (outcome: illegal drug use, cluster: strict parental control of TV) to 0.88 (outcome: violence, cluster: sports with parents). Active teens were less likely to have low self-esteem (eg, adolescents engaging in sports with parents, ARR: 0.73) and more likely to have higher grades (eg, active in school, ARR: 1.20). Participation in a range of PA-related behaviors, particularly those characterized by high parental sports/exercise involvement, was associated with favorable adolescent risk profiles. Adolescents with high TV/video viewership were less likely to have positive risk behavior outcomes. Enhancing opportunities for PA and sport may have a beneficial effect on leading adolescent risk behaviors.