Participation In Organized Sports Research Articles

Global Matrix 4.0 physical activity report cards grades for children and adolescents: A comparison among 15 Asian countries and regions

Background/ObjectiveThis paper aimed to compare the report card grades among 15 Asian jurisdictions participating in the Global Matrix 4.0, and to explore differences in regional cultural and policy factors related to physical activity behaviors. MethodsAll participating jurisdictions followed a harmonized process to develop a country report card. Ten required common indicators were assessed, including five behavioral indicators (Overall Physical Activity, Organized Sport and Physical Activity, Active Play, Active Transportation, Sedentary Behavior), four sources of influence indicators (Family and Peers, School, Community and Environment, and Government), and an outcome indicator (Physical Fitness). Letter grades, ranging from A+ to F or incomplete (INC), were assigned to the indicators based on the predefined benchmarks and grading rubric, and were converted to numerical scale for analyses. ResultsThe country average scores ranged from F (Indonesia) to B− (Japan), with C+/C/C− the most prevalent grades. The mean behavioral score (D+) was lower than sources of influence score (C+). Poor grades (D or F) were observed for Overall Physical Activity among 73.3% (11/15) of the jurisdictions. Government was the indicator with the highest proportion of A or B grades (66.7%), followed by School (53.3%). Physical Fitness (n = 10) and Active Play (n = 8) were two indicators with the largest number of INC grades. ConclusionsPoor grades for physical activity and sedentary behavior were generally found in Asian jurisdictions. The better, though modest, grades on the sources of influence have not been translated into favorable behaviors among children and adolescents. The findings also suggested surveillance gaps for physical fitness, active play, and organized sport participation. National-level investments and action plans are needed to ensure physical activity interventions are developed, effectively implemented, and regularly evaluated in multiple settings.

Educational and family-related determinants of organized sports participation patterns from adolescence to emerging adulthood: A four-year follow-up study

ABSTRACT This study aimed to identify organized sports participation patterns and their prevalence from adolescence to emerging adulthood, and the educational and family-related determinants of the patterns. Adolescents in the Finnish Health Promoting Sports Club (FHPSC) study answered a health behaviour questionnaire and reported on sports club participation at ages 15 and 19 (N = 609). In emerging adulthood, dropouts (total 41.05%; females 43.72%; males 36.56%), maintainers (30.87; 26.44; 38.33), nonparticipants (27.59; 29.32; 24.67), and joiners (0.49; 0.52; 0.44) (p = .024) were identified. A mixed multinomial logistic regression analysis showed, that male gender, as compared to female gender, increased the odds of being a maintainer rather than a nonparticipant or dropout. Among females, high achievement at school and aspiration towards upper secondary school at age 15 increased the odds of being a maintainer at age 19 rather than a nonparticipant. High achievement at school and experiencing a (strong) decrease in parental support for physical activity/sport increased the odds of being a dropout rather than a nonparticipant. Having no experience of a strong decrease in parental support increased the odds of being a maintainer rather than a dropout. Among males, aspiration towards upper secondary school increased the odds of being a maintainer or dropout rather than a nonparticipant. The most common reason for dropping out was study, which was also the most prevalent life status at age 19. The findings highlight a need for more flexible possibilities to combine organized sports participation and school studies, and the importance of parental support for physical activity/sport.

The Portuguese economic crisis is associated with socioeconomic and sex disparities on children's health-related behaviors and obesity: A cross-sectional study.

Our objective was to examine the relationship between the 2008 and 2015 economic crisis and children's physical activity (PA) outcomes, eating behaviors and obesity prevalence, while considering sex inequalities and familial socioeconomic status. This is a cross-sectional study, including data collected in 2016/2017 among 5134 children aged 6-11 years (mean age: 8.11 ± 1.24; 50.0% boys). Children's height, weight, and waist circumference were objectively measured. Children's sleep- and screen-time, participation in organized sports, and specific dietary habits were reported parental-reported using a standardized questionnaire. An economic crisis impact score, with data from 10 indicators of economic needs in the family, was used to characterize the crisis' impact. First, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher in children whose families had a higher impact of the crisis. Second, children's intake of fruit and high-fat food, screen-time, sleep-time, and participation in organized sports differed according to the level of impact of the economic crisis. Third, the association between health-related behaviors and the impact of the economic crisis was stronger for girls compared to boys. Our findings give us an indication of how economic crises may drive changes in health outcomes.

Children’s independent mobility and activity spaces during COVID-19 in Finland

ABSTRACT Children’s Independent Mobility (CIM) is usually higher in Nordic countries, although like in many other countries it is declining over time. COVID-19 has created new large-scale restrictions into the patterns of children’s mobility. We explore children’s and parents’ perceptions of CIM during the pandemic. To better understand how to promote CIM, we use COVID-19 restrictions as a model to investigate how acute changes in play and sports are associated with the level of CIM and activity space. In this mixed-methods study, a total of 22 children (10–12-years-old) and their parents were interviewed, and a public-participatory GIS (PPGIS) questionnaire was completed by 427 children and 177 parents in two small cities in Southern Finland. CIM was measured as the independently traveled distance to and from all places visited during the previous week and as CIM licenses. Activity space was obtained by using a home range model. Based on the interviews, the most typically mentioned rules related to CIM were informing parents of destination and company, and curfews. COVID-19 mainly affected organized sports participation requiring a ride from parent but had little influence on CIM. According to questionnaire data, COVID-19 decreased organized sports in 23% of children but increased outdoor games and play in 17% of children. Increased play was associated with a greater CIM, while decreased sports was associated with a smaller activity space. The findings suggest that in comparison to organized sports, outdoor games and play should be promoted to support CIM.

Count Me In: a sports participation intervention promoting inclusion for young people from migrant backgrounds in Australia

Participation in organized sports can provide a wide range of health and social benefits and, for young people from migrant and minority ethnic groups, can act as a critical mediator of inclusion and belonging. These population groups have relatively low participation rates however, with recognized barriers including costs, transport, culturally determined gender norms, culturally inappropriate club environments, a lack of knowledge and understanding of sports ‘systems’ and competing family priorities. Count Me In (CMI) was a mixed-methods, participatory action research project designed and implemented in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia between 2017–2019 to address these barriers. Key elements of the intervention included employment of bicultural community support coordinators, partnerships with clubs and community-based organisations, encouragement of volunteering and development of resources. This paper reports the qualitative results of the study and discusses the effectiveness and impacts of the Count Me In model for addressing participation barriers.

Neighborhood-level socioeconomic factors moderate the association between physical activity and relative age effect: a cross-sectional survey study with Japanese adolescents

BackgroundRelative age effect is defined as a phenomenon where children born early generally perform better than children born later in the same cohort. Physical activity is an important factor that might be influenced by the relative age effect. Socioeconomic factors (e.g., parent’s income, education level) are also associated with the adolescent’s physical activity. However, no existing study has examined whether socioeconomic factors moderate the relative age effect on the adolescent’s physical activity. This study aims to clarify whether and how birth month and socioeconomic factors relate to organized sports and physical activity among adolescents in Japan.MethodsWe conducted a questionnaire survey targeting 21,491 adolescents who live in a widespread neighborhood. We included 8102 adolescents (4087 males and 4015 females: mean age 13.1 ± 1.4) in the analysis. Based on the participants’ birth months, we divided them into four groups (April to June, July to September, October to December, January to March). We asked participants to report their organized sports participation. Using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for Japanese Early Adolescents, we identified their moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Neighborhood-level socioeconomic factors (areal deprivation, average annual income, education level) were analyzed based on national surveys, such as the population census. We performed multilevel logistic and linear regression analysis for organized sports participation and MVPA, respectively. Moreover, a simple slope analysis was implemented if the interaction between birth month and socioeconomic factor was significant in the multilevel linear regression analysis.ResultsAmong males, relatively younger adolescents (adolescents who were born later in the same grade) were less likely to participate in organized sports activites (OR=0.90, 95% CI 0.82–0.97, p<0.05), while both males and females engaged in less MVPA (b=-0.54, b=-0.25, p< 0.01, respectively). We observed an interaction between birth month and socioeconomic factors. Among males in low-income neighborhoods, and females in more deprived neighborhoods, relatively younger adolescents engaged in less MVPA.ConclusionsSocioeconomic factors moderate the relative age effect on adolescents’ physical activity. The relative age effect on adolescents’ physical activity might be more likely to appear among adolescents from socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods.

P03-05 State of the Evidence of Active Living among Children and Youth in India: A Scoping Review Informing the Global Matrix 4.0

BackgroundThere is strong evidence of physical inactivity's link to global disease and economic burden. Physical inactivity among Indian children and youth has particular consequences for the global economy, as youth in India make up a substantial proportion of the world's workforce. As part of the 60-country Active Healthy Kids Alliance Global Matrix 4.0 initiative, a systematic scoping review was conducted to appraise the current state of evidence of active living among children and youth in India.MethodsA systematic search of peer-reviewed and grey literature published over the last decade was conducted for 11 indicators of active living: overall physical activity, organized sport participation, active play, active transportation, sedentary behavior, family and peers, school programs and policies, community and built environment, government strategies, physical fitness, and yoga. Data sources included national, state (i.e., province) and city-level surveys, as well as primary data from ongoing longitudinal studies. Relevant grey literature, including government reports and school board policies, were also reviewed.ResultsPhysical activity levels vary widely across India, with children and youth in rural settings accumulating greater moderate-to-vigorous activity and lower screen time compared to their urban counterparts. The majority of Indian children and youth report active transportation, however; they are not meeting recommended physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines. Despite the availability of many non-profit and organized programs, several indicators of active living including organized sports, active play, and yoga programming have not been evaluated for uptake or impact. Physical activity type and levels varied significantly across gender and socioeconomic status, with girls belonging to lower socioeconomic status having the greatest disadvantage due to cultural and safety perceptions.ConclusionsWhile the vast majority of Indian children and youth are not accumulating recommended physical activity levels, there are encouraging signs of active transportation and active play?a phenomenon that needs to be further explored in India and other high-, middle- and low-income countries. The findings point to widespread disparities in access to active living resources and infrastructure between urban and rural settings. Targeted programs, policies, and resource allocation are necessary to improve built environment and safety for children and youth.

Results from Brazil's 2022 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents.

This research aims to summarize the process and results of the 2022 Report Card on Physical Activity for Brazilian children and adolescents. A group of experts led by 10 PhD researchers gathered the best possible evidence on physical activity indicators. The Report Card Brazil 2022 included the top 10 indicators of physical activity and sleep, obesity, and poor mental health variables, which made up four dimensions: (I) Daily Behaviors; (II) Settings and Sources of Influence; (III) Government Strategies and Investments; and (IV) Health Outcomes. Comprehensive searches, including peer-reviewed and gray literature searches, were performed for each indicator. Data were considered from systematic reviews, local and national surveys, websites, and official information from the Brazilian Federal Government. Grades from the indicators ranged from F (Active Play) to B (School). In addition, the results found for each indicator were Overall Physical Activity (D), Organized Sport Participation (C−), Active Transportation (C), Sedentary Behaviors (D), Sleep (C), Family and Peers (C−), Community and Environment (C), Government (D+), Physical Fitness (D+), Obesity (11.7%), and Poor Mental Health (37.8%). Successfully strategies for increasing physical activity among Brazilian children and adolescents should look at the different indicators presented in this report.

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 Value of Sport: Wellbeing Benefits of Sport Participation during Adolescence.

Insight into the unique benefits of sport participation above and beyond those associated with participation in other physical activities among adolescents is limited in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). The purpose of this study was to examine the association between wellbeing and organised sport participation among adolescents whilst accounting for demographic characteristics and other recreational physical activity. Demographic characteristics (age, gender, ethnicity, deprivation, (dis)ability status), organized sport, recreational physical activity, and wellbeing were assessed in cohorts of NZ adolescents (11–17 years) between 2017 and 2019. After adjusting for demographics, better wellbeing was associated with participation in any recreational physical activity (OR = 2.49, 95%CI = 1.97–3.13), meeting physical activity recommendations (OR = 1.63, 95%CI = 1.47–1.81), and each additional hour of recreational physical activity (OR = 1.03, 95%CI = 1.02–1.04). After adjusting for demographics and overall recreational physical activity participation, better wellbeing was also associated with participation in any organized sport (OR = 1.66, 95%CI = 1.49–1.86), and each additional hour of organized sport (OR = 1.09, 95%CI = 1.07–1.11). Although participation in recreational physical activity appears to be beneficial for wellbeing, organized sport appears to offer unique additional wellbeing benefits. Positive experiences of organized sport participation may offer additional wellbeing value above and beyond other recreational physical activity types in young people who are active.

Development of Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Children in the Transition From Kindergarten to Basic School According to Participation in Organized Sports.

Purpose: This study examined the development of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in children in the transition from kindergarten to basic school according to participation in organized sports and estimated the associations of CRF and body composition indices during the transition from childhood to preadolescence. Methods: Children participated in the three-staged study (kindergarten, 6.6 years, n = 212; 1st grade, 7.6 years, n = 136; and 5th grade, 11.5 years, n = 142) for 5 years and were categorized into three groups according to their participation in organized sports in the study period (whole period, episodically, and never). Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by performing a 20-m shuttle run test, while body composition was measured by skinfold thicknesses, and physical activity was registered with an accelerometer. International gender- and age-specific CRF reference normativities were also used to characterize the participants. Results: Children who participated consistently in organized sports had significantly higher CRF levels and lower body fatness (31.3 ± 13.5 laps in 20 m shuttle run; 21.1% ± 6.3% body fat) in 11.5 years than in children who had never participated in sports clubs (20.7 ± 12.0 laps in 20-m shuttle run; 26.1% ± 6.8% body fat). Body composition and CRF did not associate in consistently trained children. The proportion of 5th grade children demonstrating age-appropriate healthy CRF was almost threefold higher in the group of consistent sports training among both boys and girls than among non-members of sports clubs. Conclusion: Consistent attendance in organized sports in childhood and early preadolescence ensures higher CRF and healthier body composition than in children who had no experience of organized sports.

Does Relative Age Influence Organized Sport and Unorganized Physical Activity Participation in a Cohort of Adolescents?

Despite their prevalence, the longitudinal impacts of relative age effects (RAEs) on sport and other forms of physical activity (PA) are understudied. This study examined longitudinal participation patterns in organized sport (team and individual), unorganized PA, and non-participation with respect to RAEs in a prospective cohort of adolescents. Data from the first 24 cycles of the MATCH study were used for analyses. Elementary students (n = 929) were recruited from 17 schools in Atlantic Canada. Respondents self-reported PA three times/year. Mixed multilevel logistic models compared the likelihood of participating in each context across birth quarter. Chronological age and gender were considered, along with the interaction between chronological and relative age. Individuals born in Quarter 1/Quarter 2 were more likely to report participation in organized team sport but not individual sports. Relatively older participants born in Quarter 2 were more likely to report participation in unorganized PA. Increasing chronological age was associated with decreased participation in organized sport (particularly team-based) and increased non-participation. Gender was not associated with organized sport participation, but girls were under-represented in unorganized PA and more likely to report non-participation. The interaction parameters suggested that RAEs were consistent throughout adolescence in each context. Longitudinal analyses suggest RAEs are context dependent.

Objectively measured physical activity among treatment seeking children and adolescents with severe obesity and normal weight peers.

Treatment seeking children and adolescents with severe obesity often experience barriers to physical activity. Studies objectively measuring physical activity in this group and investigating explanatory factors for physical activity levels could inform clinical practice. This study aimed to compare objectively measured physical activity levels among treatment seeking children and adolescents with severe obesity and normal weight peers, and to investigate explanatory factors for time spent in moderate physical activity and vigorous physical activity among children and adolescents with severe obesity. Children with severe obesity (n=85) were matched 1:1 by age, gender, and the season for accelerometer measurements with normal weight peers (n=85). Children wore accelerometers for seven consecutive days, yielding measures of physical activity, sleep duration and timing. Parents reported on screen time, parental body mass index and participation in organized sports. Children and adolescents with severe obesity spent significantly less time in moderate physical activity (12min, p<0.001) and vigorous physical activity (21min, p<0.001) per day compared to normal weight peers. No difference for time spent in sedentary activity was found between groups. For participants with severe obesity, age ≤12years (p=0.009) and participation in organized sports (p=0.023) were related to more moderate physical activity, while age ≤12years (p=0.038) and early sleep timing (p=0.019) were related to more vigorous physical activity. Children and adolescents with severe obesity were less physically active than their normal weight peers. Factors related to more moderate and vigorous physical activity in children with severe obesity were lower age, participation in organized sports and earlier sleep timing.

Associations between organized sport participation and mental health difficulties: Data from over 11,000 US children and adolescents.

The purpose of this study was to explore the association between participation in organized sport and a broad array of mental health difficulties among US children and adolescents. The data (cross-sectional) were from Data Release 3.0 (one-year follow-up visits on the full cohort) of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study—a broadly representative sample of 11,235 US children and adolescents aged 9 to 13 years. Parents/guardians provided self-reports of their child’s mental health difficulties using the Child Behavior Checklist. To assess participation in organized sport, children and adolescents were categorized into one of four groups: 1) participation in team sport, 2) participation in individual sport, 3) participation in team and individual sport, and 4) non-sport participation. Participation in team sport compared to non-sport participation was associated with 10% lower anxious/depressed scores, 19% lower withdrawn/depressed scores, 17% lower social problems scores, 17% lower thought problems scores, and 12% lower attention problems scores. Participation in team sport compared to non-sport participation was also associated with 20% lower rule-breaking behavior scores for females (compared to males). Conversely, participation in individual sport compared to non-sport participation was associated with 16% higher anxious/depressed scores, 14% higher withdrawn/depressed scores, 12% higher social problems scores, and 14% higher attention problems scores. Participation in both team and individual sport compared to non-sport participation was associated with 17% lower rule-breaking behavior scores for females (compared to males). Results indicate that team sport participation was associated with fewer mental health difficulties, whereas individual sport participation was associated with greater mental health difficulties. The findings complement previous research suggesting that team sport participation may be a vehicle to support child and adolescent mental health. Additional research is needed to determine to what extent, and under what circumstances, participation in individual sport may be problematic for younger cohorts.

The Impact of sport particiaption on the Health of Adolescents During the CoVID-19 pandemic

Background:Since April 2020, some high schools were closed to in-person teaching, and interscholastic and club sports were cancelled in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19. While some US adolescents participated in sports since April 2020, other US adolescents did not participate in sports during this time. It is unknown what effect sport participation has had on the health of adolescents.Hypothesis/Purpose:To identify how sport participation during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the health of adolescents.Methods:Adolescents across the US were recruited via social media to complete an online survey in the spring of 2021. Participants were asked to report their demographics (age, gender, race), whether they participated in school club or school sports since May 2020, type of school they attended (in-person, online, hybrid), and measures of mental health (MH), physical activity (PA) and quality of life (QoL). Assessments included the: General Anxiety Disorder-7 Item (GAD-7) for anxiety, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Item (PHQ-9) for depression, Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale (PFABS) for physical activity, and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL) for quality of life. Assessment scores were compared for respondents who participated in sports (PAR) with those that did not participate in sports (NoPAR). Univariable comparisons between the groups were made via t-tests or chi-square tests while means for continuous outcome measures were compared between the groups by ANOVA models that controlled for age, gender, race and the type of school attendance.Results:4,693 adolescents (52% female, Age = 16.1+1.3 yrs., grades 9–12) from 38 states participated in the study with PAR = 4,286 (91%) and NoPAR = 407 (9%). NoPAR participants reported a higher prevalence of moderate to severe levels of anxiety (29.3% vs 21.3%, p<0.001) and depression (40.7% vs 19.8%, p<0.001). NoPAR participants reported lower (worse) PFABS scores (mean 13.2 [95%CI 12.4, 13.9] vs 21.2 [20.7, 21.6] p<0.001) and lower (worse) PedsQL total scores compared to the PAR group (77.9 [76.5, 79.3] vs. 83.2 [82.3, 84.1], p<0.001).Conclusions:Adolescents who did not play a sport during the COVID-19 pandemic reported significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression, as well as lower physical activity and quality of life scores compared to adolescents who did play a school or club sport. Participation in organized sports may offer an important opportunity to improve physical activity and mental health for adolescents during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fitness, Physical Activity and Health Practices of Grade 9 Students of Public High Schools of Botolan District Sy 2017-2018

This study aimed to determine the fitness, physical activity and health practices of Grade 9 students of public high schools of Botolan District, Division of Zambales during SY 2017-2018.&#x0D; The study utilized descriptive research design with questionnaire as the main instrument ingathering data from Grade 9 student-respondents who were randomly selected from six secondary schools in Botolan District.&#x0D; The students’ profiles considered in the study were limited to their age, sex, height, weight, body mass index, monthly family income, participation in organized sports, participation in unorganized physical activity and physical activities, leisure time and diet.&#x0D; The extent of preference of the respondents on fitness, physical activity and health practices were assessed in terms of physical activity as maximum health benefit and distinct types of physical activity to address unique health concerns and contribute in distinct ways to children’s health, health- and performance-related fitness.&#x0D; The study revealed that the majority respondents were female in their early teen- age hood, with average height, weight, normal body mass index and inadequate family monthly income. The respondents assessed “negative” for both organized and unorganized sports activities. The respondents assessed “often” with moderate physical activities, with 15-30 minutes moving a day and medium in the conduct of aerobic or Zumba while “agree” on the health practices. The respondents perceived “agree” on the overall general knowledge and awareness on fitness, physical activity and health practices. There is a significant difference between the organized and unorganized sports activity.&#x0D; There is a significant difference when grouped according to age, body mass index and family income respectively towards physical activity and health practices while significant on body mass index towards leisure time. There is significant difference when grouped according to height, weight, body mass index and family monthly income towards overall general knowledge and awareness on fitness, physical activity and health practices and there is a high positive relationship between the level of awareness and the level of sports participation&#x0D; Based on summary of the investigation conducted and the conclusions arrived at, the researcher have offered the following recommendations to consider healthy body a great treasure and to start engaging in physical activities that help and regulate good sound and healthy body instead of engaging in activities as drinking liquor or smoking that may cause severe illness or death; to encourage the respondents not to skip meals for better life and healthy body; to seek advises from health professionals or medical doctors before engaging in heavy sports activities; to assure rendering from gradual to complex physical activities; that a physically fit person eating a nutritionally adequate diet can have improved performance in school; to improve quality of life, one must practice and observe healthy living; and finally to conduct a parallel or similar study with in-depth and broader scope so as to validate and confirm the findings obtained in the study.

Lipid Profiles of College Female Student-Athletes Participating at Different Competition Levels of Organized Sport.

College-aged women are not meeting weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity to support lipids protecting against cardiovascular disease onset. Participating in organized sport could assist in physical activity engagement and maintenance while positively impacting lipids predicting cardiovascular disease. However, women may be discouraged from participating in sports if they perceive benefits to be mostly seen at the higher competition levels, thus hindering seeking sports involvement at lesser-intensity levels. A total of N = 78 female athletes participating at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (n = 21), National Junior College Athletic Association (n = 29), and student club (n = 28) completed a personal characteristics questionnaire and provided blood samples to compare physical activity involvement and lipid health profiles. Linear regression modeling was used to assess how the independent variables (i.e., sport level, age, systolic blood pressure, race/ethnicity, sport/physical activity involvement hours per week, and years playing sports) on the dependent variables [i.e., total cholesterol, high density lipid (HDL), and total cholesterol-HDL ratio]. Total sample cholesterol 165.7 ± 34.0, HDL 62.8 ± 15.03, and total cholesterol-HDL ratio 2.8 ± 0.6 were all within a healthy recommendation range, along with per sport level. NJCAA sport level significantly predicted lower total cholesterol, p = 0.043, while identifying as Black significantly predicted higher total cholesterol, p = 0.008. Similarly, identifying as Black significantly predicted higher HDL, p = 0.021. Furthermore, increased systolic blood pressure significantly predicted higher total cholesterol-HDL ratios, p = 0.014. Organized sports participation may help meet physical activity requirements, support healthy lipid profiles, and ward off cardiovascular disease development in female college students regardless of competition level.

Can participation in organized sports help adolescents refrain from self-harm? An analysis of underlying mechanisms

Research has rarely focused on what might make adolescents less likely to engage in deliberate self-harm. Because the sports domain is an important context promoting positive adjustment, we proposed that engaging in organized sport activities could help adolescents refrain from self-harming through affecting their psychosocial well-being. Using two annual waves of longitudinal data from 998 Swedish adolescents in grades 7 and 8 (52% boys), we tested whether depressive symptoms and self-esteem mediated the link between organized sport activities and self-harm. Results showed that self-esteem, but not depressive symptoms, mediated the association between organized sport activities and lower self-harm. Our findings reinforce the idea that organized sport activities could be a viable way of promoting mental health, laying the foundation for future interventions.

Exercise and Carotid Properties in the Young-The KiGGS-2 Study.

Background: Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and stiffness (cS) are predictive markers of early vascular aging and atherosclerotic risk. This study assessed, whether exercise has protective effects on carotid structure and function or on vascular risk in the young.Methods: Volume and change of exercise (recreational and organized sports participation) of German adolescents and young adults was assessed within the prospective population-study KiGGS at KiGGS-Wave-1 (2009–2012) and KiGGS-Wave-2 (2014–2017) using standardized self-reporting questionnaires. CIMT and cS were measured by real-time B-mode ultrasound sequences with semi-automated edge-detection and automatic electrocardiogram-gated quality control in 2,893 participants (14–28 years, 49.6% female). A cumulative index for atherosclerotic risk (CV-R) included z-scores of mean arterial pressure, triglycerides, total/HDL-cholesterol-ratio, body mass index, and HbA1c.Results: At KiGGS-Wave-2 cross-sectional CV-R but not cS and cIMT was lower in all exercise-groups compared to “no exercise” (B = −0.73, 95%-CI = −1.26 to 0.19, p = 0.008). Longitudinal volume of exercise was negatively associated with CV-R (B = −0.37, 95%-CI = −0.74 to 0.00, p = 0.048) but not with cS and cIMT. Cross-sectional relative risk of elevated CV-R but not cS and cIMT was lower in all exercise-groups compared to “no exercise” (RR = 0.80, 95%-CI = 0.66 to 0.98, p = 0.033). High exercise volumes were associated with lower relative risk of elevated CV-R (RR = 0.80, 95%-CI = 0.65–0.97, p = 0.021) and cS in tendency but not with cIMT.Conclusions: Increased levels of exercise are associated with a better cardiovascular risk profile in young individuals, but not with cS and cIMT. Our study confirms previous recommendations on exercise in this age group without demonstrating a clear benefit on surrogate markers of vascular health.

Participação esportiva entre adolescentes e crianças brasileiras: revisão sistemática

Abstract The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence of sports participation in Brazilian children and adolescents through a systematic literature review. A search was carried out in the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, WEB OF SCIENCE, BIREME, SCIELO, and SCOPUS for manuscripts published until 2020, combining the keywords: “children”, “adolescents”, “prevalence”, and “sports participation”, in Portuguese and English. Twenty-six articles published between 2003 and 2020 were included in the review, with the aim of estimating the prevalence of participation in organized sports in Brazilian children and adolescents. Considering the regions where the studies were carried out, the majority were developed in the south (57.7%; n=15), followed by the southeast (19.2%; n=05), and northeast (15.4%; n=04), in addition to 7.7% (n=02) in all regions of the country. The data showed prevalence of sports participation ranging from 15.0% to 73.2% (mean of 44.8%) among children and adolescents, being higher in males (63.1%). From the results found, the need to develop public policies is evident, in order to favor adherence and maintenance of young people to sports practice, especially among those of the female sex.