Leisure-time Sports Participation Research Articles

Sleep, psychological health, and physical activity level in patients with hypertension

The aim of this study was to compare sleep, daytime sleepiness, and psychological health in physically active versus inactive patients with hypertension. A cross-sectional design included thirty-seven participants (ACTIVE, n = 15; INACTIVE, n = 22). Sleep was assessed by polysomnography, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and a one-week daily sleep diary. The sleepiness was assessed with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and the psychological health was assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Profile of Mood States (POMS). Habitual physical activity was assessed with 7 day-step counts recorded by a pedometer and questionnaire. Significantly lower PSQI score (mean ± S.D.; 7.3 ± 3.4 vs 10.1 ± 3.6) and daytime sleepiness (8.7 ± 4.5 vs. 11.9 ± 4.4) were found in the physically active versus inactive participants, respectively. In addition, higher PSQI-total sleep time (6.9 ± 1.3 vs 5.6 ± 1.1) and vigor/activity (19.7 ± 3.9 vs 16.0 ± 3.9), and lower depressed mood on the POMS scale (8.2 ± 7.9 vs 13.8 ± 10.0) and lower POMS total mood disturbance (21.0 ± 27.0 vs 43.5 ± 32.5) were observed in the active participants compared with the inactive participants. Combining data across both groups, leisure time sport participation correlated negatively with PSQI (r = −0.35; p < 0.05) and BDI (r = −0.42; p < 0.05), and positively with POMS-vigor/activity (r = 0.43; p < 0.05). The results showed regular physical activity was associated with better sleep and psychological health in patients with hypertension.

Leisure-time and competitive sport participation: a changing paradigm for HCM patients.

HCM has long been considered the most frequent cause of death in athletes, and reason for disqualification from sport. However, our perception of the impact of sports on HCM is largely based on anecdotal evidence. In this review, we provide a reappraisal of current knowledge relative to 1) the impact of sport on LV remodeling, and 2) on the clinical outcome of HCM in athletes. 1) The limited available evidence argues against the hypothesis that intensive exercise conditioning may trigger and/or worsen the development of LV hypertrophy or cause changes in LV function in adult HCM athletes. 2) Recent observations challenge the concept of a detrimental effect of sport on HCM clinical course. The Reset-HCM study showed that 16-week moderate-intensity exercise resulted in a small, significant increase in exercise capacity and no adverse events. In a cohort of 88 low-risk HCM athletes followed for a 7-year period, survival analyses showed no difference in mortality between HCM who discontinued or pursued vigorous exercise programmes. Further reassurance was provided by the ICD Sports Safety Registry. Clinical implications: At present, patients' attitude to sport participation is highly variable, based on social and legal backgrounds surrounding medical practice in different countries. The shared-decision-making as suggested by current US and European guidelines allows the physician to deliver a tailored and more liberal advice. Physicians should be aware of the changing paradigm relative to exercise and sport prescription for HCM and promote active lifestyle as an integral component of modern management of HCM patients.

Sex Differences in Health Behaviors of Austrian Teachers and School Principals

IntroductionCurrently, about 2% of the European working population (~5 million people) are teachers, who are a characterized occupational group with various roles as educators, partners, counselors, social directors, professional managers, and political theorists. Teachers’ health has a remarkable effect on teaching quality, and consequently, on the success of students of future generations. Public and occupational health are highly related to lifestyle behaviors (including diet type and PA); however, little is known regarding lifestyle patterns in different groups of teachers, particularly males and females. This study aimed to investigate sex differences in health/lifestyle behaviors of Austrian secondary-level teachers and school principals.&#x0D; MethodsThis cross-sectional and multidisciplinary study is a part of the bigger Austrian-wide research project From Science 2 School (www.science2.school/en; supported by Federal Ministry of Education, Science, and Research). A sample size of 89,243 teachers and principals from 2,554 secondary schools (level I &amp; II) were invited to participate, and a total number of 1,350 teachers and principals (1.5% of eligible Austrian participants; aged 45.8±11.4; 69.7% females) completed an online survey. In addition to sociodemographic information, a complete profile of lifestyle behaviors (e.g., diet type: omnivorous, vegetarian, vegan; nutritional patterns; exercise and sports activities; smoking habits; and alcohol consumption) was evaluated.&#x0D; FindingsMale teachers were 2.1 years older than females (p&lt;0.01). While there was no sex difference in leisure-time sports participation (p&gt;0.05), males engaged in club sports more than females (39.1% vs. 24.9%; p&lt;0.01). The frequency of sports/exercise engagement was higher in males compared to females (3.1 ± 1.5 vs. 2.9 ± 1.4; p=0.02). Omnivorous diet was significantly more common in male teachers (93.9% vs. 87.2%; p&lt;0.01), while a vegetarian diet was significantly more prevalent in females compared to male teachers (9.8% vs. 3.4%; p&lt;0.01). There was no significant difference between male and female teachers in the prevalence of vegan diet (p&gt;0.05).&#x0D; ConclusionDespite some differences in lifestyle components between females and males, teachers in both sexes appeared to have a healthier lifestyle compared to general populations reported by similar investigations. This finding might be associated with the higher educational level of teachers, particularly their improved individual capabilities (including knowledge, skills, competencies, values, and qualifications) and social advantages (e.g., networks, general living conditions) to implement toward scientifically well-accepted healthy behaviors. This study can serve as a starting point for future health-related interventions focusing on sex differences in the dual approach of “healthy eating – active living” considered the practical recommendation to achieve sustainable health.

Parent Perceptions of the Benefits of Sport Participation: A Mixed-methods Approach

Objective: Objective PA-12 of Healthy People 2030 is focused on an increase in sport participation among youth. Organized leisure-time sport participation (OLSP) can be a valuable source of physical activity for children and adolescents. The ability of programs to provide important benefits to children may play a role in parent decisions to enroll their child in these programs. Methods: In the present study, we gathered demographics, sport participation, and parent-reported (N = 452) benefits of sport participation as part of a survey investigating OLSP behaviors. Results: We found no differences in sport participation by sex or race/ethnicity. However, children from lower income homes were less likely to participate in sport than those from higher income homes (p &lt; .001). Health and exercise, socialization, teamwork, and leadership skill development were the most common benefits reported by parents. Other benefits included practice/skill building/self-esteem, fun, reduced screen time, exposure to a role model, stress relief, and recognition. Conclusions: These benefits should be emphasized in OLSP programs and used for marketing and promotion to increase participation in OLSP to achieve objective PA-12.

Work and sport: relationships between specific job stressors and sports participation

This study examines the relationships between different job stressors and sports participation. Based on a large-scale representative sample (N = 1935), the paper tested if the number of different job stressors encountered in a job is related to sports participation. Moreover, we examined the relative impact of different stressors on sport participation. As predicted, the number of stressors encountered at work is negatively associated with leisure-time sports participation. When testing the relative effects of different job stressors, intense physical labour, shift and night work, and job insecurity (i.e. having a fixed-term contract or fearing unemployment) are negatively related to sports participation, whereas hazardous exposure (i.e. noise), bad working atmosphere, and long working hours are not related to sports participation. Hence, the total number of job stressors, but also the specificity of job stressors, should be taken into account by professionals in the fields of health research and physical activity promotion. Practioner summary: In a large-scale representative sample, we examined if different adverse job conditions are negatively related to sports participation. We found that the number of different job stressors was negatively related to sports participation. In particular, intense physical labour, shift and night work as well as job insecurity had an impact.

Physical education and leisure-time sport reduce overweight and obesity: a number needed to treat analysis.

School-based physical education (PE) and organised leisure-time sports participation (LTSP) represent important physical activity opportunities for children. We examined the preventive effect of increased PE as well as LTSP on overweight and obesity (OW/OB) in school children. Longitudinal data from children attending 10 primary schools in the Danish municipality of Svendborg, comprising 6 intensive PE (270 min/week) and 4 control (90 min/week) schools were assessed. Age- and sex-specific cut-offs for body mass index (BMI) determined OW/OB status. Associations between OW/OB status and school type (intensive PE or control) or LTSP were investigated using mixed, multilevel logistic regression models. Significant parameter estimates were converted into number needed to treat statistics (NNT). In total, 1009 children (53.3% female; mean age 8.4 ± 1.4 years) were included in the analysis, with 892 children (52% female) being normal weight (NW) at baseline. Eighteen (NNT = 17.1; 95% CI [11.0, 226.1]) children attending an intensive PE school for 2 years, resulted in one fewer case of OW/OB compared with attendance at a normal PE school. For NW children, prevention of one case of OW/OB requires 36 (NNT = 35.8; 95% CI [25.1, 596.3]) children to participate in intensive PE for 2 years in comparison with normal PE. LTSP over 2 years may prevent OW/OB if 15 children participate in one LTSP session/week, 9 in two LTSP sessions/week and 8 in three LTSP sessions/week; for normal weight children, 25 children had to participate in one LTSP session/week, 16 in two LTSP sessions/week and 14 in three LTSP sessions/week. We provide the first NNT estimates of school-based PE and LTSP to prevent the onset of OW/OB. PE, and separately, LTSP seem to have both a protective and a treatment effect against OW/OB in children.

Socioeconomic status and leisure-time sports participation among Koreans

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to analyze the interrelationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and sports participation by Koreans during their leisure time. National data from the 2012 National Leisure Activity Research of Korea were used. The t-test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. First, each factor related to education, income, and occupation was significantly associated with the sports participation score. Second, overall SES was significantly associated with the sports participation score. To conclude, although the various dispositions among different social classes is a natural societal phenomenon, considering the higher value attributed to sports participation, it would be important to institute societal intervention for people in the lower SES groups to take more part in sports.

Relationships Between Dispositional Flow, Motivational Climate, and Self-Talk in Physical Education Classes

This cross-sectional study explored the relationships between dispositional flow, motivational climate, and self-talk in physical education. Six hundred forty-eight participants completed the Dispositional Flow Scale for Physical Education, the Learning and Performance Orientation in Physical Education Classes Questionnaire, and the Automatic Self-Talk Questionnaire for Physical Education. The results revealed that dispositional flow subscales were negatively related to students’ negative self-talk dimensions and positively related to students’ positive self-talk dimensions. Moreover, significant relationships emerged between perceived motivational climate subscales and students’ self-talk dimensions. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that the dispositional flow subscale of unambiguous feedback and the subscale of motivational climate of students’ learning orientation significantly predicted students’ positive self-talk dimensions (positively) and negative self-talk dimensions (negatively). In contrast, the motivational climate subscales of students’ worry about mistakes significantly and positively predicted students’ negative self-talk dimensions. Finally, significant differences were found in study variables as a function of gender, leisure-time sport participation, sport type, and grade level. Overall, these correlational findings stress the importance of dispositional flow and perceived motivational climate in physical education as potential factors that shape students’ self-talk. Subscribe to TPE

How Consistent are Genetic Factors in Explaining Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Sport Participation? The Portuguese Healthy Families Study

This study investigates how consistent genetic factors are, as measured by heritability estimates (h2), in the leisure-time physical activity index (LTPAI) and sport participation index (SPI) from early (10-14 yrs) to late adolescence (15-19 yrs). The sample comprises 12,385 subjects from 3,378 Portuguese nuclear families. Height and weight were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and the LTPAI and SPI were estimated by questionnaire. Socioeconomic status (SES) was assessed by parental occupation. Analyses were done using S.A.G.E. software. Our results showed that h2 estimates for the LTPAI and SPI in the two age groups (10-14 yrs and 15-19 yrs) were stable: for the LTPAI, h2 = 0.297 and 0.322, respectively; and for the SPI, h2 = 0.413 and 0.428, respectively. Sibling correlations and environmental correlations are higher in the younger age group for both the LTPAI and the SPI. Spousal correlations are higher in the younger age group for the LTPAI and lower for the SPI than the older group. Parent-offspring correlations are similar in both age groups for the LTPAI and SPI. In conclusion, the influence of genetic factors on physical activity and sport participation remains stable across age in adolescence. However, variation in sibling correlations - in particular, environmental correlations - was observed. These findings suggest that shared/non-shared environmental factors express different degrees of importance across age. Future intervention programs aiming to promote change in behaviors need to consider these results to bring about positive changes in physical activity and sport participation behaviors within the family setting.

Flow Experiences in Physical Education Classes: The Role of Perceived Motivational Climate and Situational Motivation

The purpose of this study was to determine the role of perceived motivational climate and situational motivation levels on dispositional flow in physical education classes. 242 boys (Mage=13.38; SD=0.95) and 251 girls (Mage=13.27; SD=0.88) a total of 493 secondary school students (Mage=13.32; SD=0.91) voluntarily participated in this study. Physical Education Situational Motivational Scale, Learning and Performance Orientation in Physical Education Classes Questionnaire and Physical Education Dispositional Flow Scale-2 were administered to all participants. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that identified regulation, intrinsic motivation, pupil learning climate and teacher-initiated learning explained a significant amount of variance in dispositional flow in physical education (p<0.05). The pupil learning climate, identified regulation and leisure time sport participation were the strongest predictors, respectively. These findings suggested that promoting mastery-oriented climate, self-determined situational motivation, and participation in sport will foster dispositional flow in the physical education setting.

Organized leisure-time sport participation and academic achievement in preadolescents

The aims of this study were to study the correlation between lifestyle-related factors, such as organized leisure-time sport participation (OLSP), cardiorespiratory fitness, and adiposity, and academic achievement among preadolescents. A cross-sectional study involving 248 nine-year-old school children was carried out. OLSP was self-reported with parental assistance, categorized as ≤ 1× a week, 2-3× a week, and ≥ 4× times a week or more. Academic achievement was estimated with results from standardized test scores in Icelandic and math. Cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated using a maximal cycle ergometer test. The sum of four skinfolds was used to estimate adiposity. Tests of between-subjects effect indicated that OLSP significantly correlated with achievement in math only (F(2,235) = 3.81, p = 0.024). Further analysis showed that the two less active groups had significantly lower scores in math compared to the most active group with OLSP ≥ 4× times a week or more (2-3× times a week, unstandardized coefficient (b) = -4.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) [-7.09, -1.07]; ≤ 1× a week, b = -3.84, 95% CI [-7.59, -0.08]), independent of sex, age, maturity level (age to/from peak height velocity), family structure, and parental education. Neither cardiorespiratory fitness nor adiposity significantly correlated with academic achievements. The study's result indicates that frequent (four times per week or more often) sport participation is not harmful but may be beneficial to learning. However, further intervention-based study of this topic is needed to determine if this relationship is causal.

Use of Alcohol and Alcohol-Related Morbidity in Finnish Former Elite Athletes.

The effect of a history of competitive sports on later use of alcohol and occurrence of alcohol-related diseases is poorly known. We investigated how a history of elite level sports was associated with alcohol consumption in middle-age and with alcohol-related morbidity and mortality. The occurrence of alcohol-related diseases and deaths were followed using national registers from 1970 to 2008 among Finnish male former elite athletes (n = 2202) and matched controls (n = 1403) alive in 1970 (mean age = 45.1 yr). Hazard ratios were calculated by Cox proportional hazards model. In 1985, surviving participants questionnaire-reported their alcohol consumption and engagement in physical activity/sports. The risk of any alcohol-related diseases or deaths did not differ between former athletes and controls (hazard ratio = 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.73-1.20, P = 0.59), although the risk was higher among both combat sports athletes and weightlifters compared with endurance sports athletes, shooters or jumpers, and hurdlers (P < 0.05). In 1985, athletes consumed more alcohol (417 g·month, 95% CI = 386-447) compared with controls (397 g·month, 95% CI = 355-441) (P < 0.05). Consumption was lower among endurance sports athletes than among controls (P < 0.05). Team sports athletes consumed more alcohol (P < 0.05), especially beer (P < 0.01), compared with other athletes and controls. Athletes no longer engaged in leisure-time sports consumed more alcohol than those who continued to be physically active (P < 0.05). Overall, former athletes reported higher alcohol consumption than controls. There was no difference in alcohol-related morbidity, but the risk varied between different sports groups. Alcohol consumption after top sports career was greater if participation in leisure-time sports was discontinued.

The Prospective Association of Organized Sports Participation With Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Children (the CHAMPS Study-DK)

ObjectiveTo investigate the prospective association of organized leisure-time sports participation with cardiovascular risk in children. MethodsStudents were recruited from 10 public primary schools. From July 2009 to October 2010, parents reported children's weekly organized leisure-time sports participation via text messaging. Clustered cardiovascular risk was estimated with a composite score comprising fasting serum triglyceride levels, homeostasis assessment model-estimated insulin resistance, total to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, and systolic blood pressure. Additional outcomes were body mass index categories and fasting serum insulin and glucose concentrations. Associations were explored with generalized estimating equations and reported with beta coefficients (β) and percent difference per weekly sports session or incidence rate ratios. All models were adjusted for baseline values and other potential confounders. ResultsIn total, 1197 children (53% female) with a mean age of 8.4±1.4 years were included. Participating in sports for 53 weeks was associated with lower clustered cardiovascular risk (β, −0.25; 95% CI, −0.41 to −0.10; percent difference, 3.2%; 95% CI, 5.2%-1.3%). Similar outcomes were observed for log homeostasis assessment model-estimated insulin resistance (β, −0.08; 95% CI, −0.12 to −0.04; percent difference, 3.4%; 5.1%-1.7%) and log insulin (β, −0.07; 95% CI, −0.11 to −0.04; percent difference, 2.6%; 95% CI, 4.0%-1.5%). Sports participation was associated with a 20% decreased risk of overweight/obesity (incidence rate ratio, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.64-0.96). ConclusionParticipating in organized leisure-time sports for approximately 1 year is associated with decreased clustered cardiovascular risk in children. These findings show that participating in youth sports may be an effective strategy to reduce cardiovascular risk in children.

Parent-child associations for changes in diet, screen time, and physical activity across two decades in modernizing China: China Health and Nutrition Survey 1991-2009.

BackgroundWhile the household context is important for lifestyle behavior interventions, few studies have examined parent–child associations for diet and physical activity (PA) changes over time in a rapidly urbanizing country. We aimed to investigate changes in diet, screen time, and PA behaviors over time in children and their parents living in the same household, and examine the parent–child association for these behaviors.MethodsWe studied dietary, screen time, and PA behaviors in 5,201 parent–child pairs (children aged 7-17y) using longitudinal data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (1991, 1993, 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006, and 2009). We collected three-day 24-h recall diet data to generate percentages of energy from animal-source foods, away-from-home eating, and snacking from 1991–2009, which are known urbanization-related behaviors. We used a seven-day PA recall to collect screen time (hours/week) and leisure-time sports participation (yes/no) since 2004. We examined the changes in children’s and parents’ behaviors over time using random-effects negative binomial regression for diet and screen time, and random-effects logistic regression for leisure-time sports. We then regressed each of the behaviors of offspring on each of their parents’ same behaviors to examine the parent–child association, using the same set of models.ResultsWe observed increases in energy from animal-source foods, eating away-from-home, and snacking, as well as screen time and leisure-time sports in parents and children over time, with different rates of change between children and their parents for some behaviors. We found positive parent–child associations for diet, screen time, and PA. When parental intakes increased by 10 % energy from each dietary behavior, children’s increase in intakes ranged from 0.44 to 1.59 % total energy for animal-source foods, 0.17 % to 0.45 % for away-from-home eating, and 2.13 % to 7.21 % for snacking. Children were also more likely to participate in leisure-time sports if their parents participated in leisure-time sports.ConclusionOur findings support household-based health behavior interventions targeting both children and their parents. However, generation-specific intervention strategies may be needed for children and adults, especially for dietary behaviors, which changed differentially in children versus parents in this rapidly modernizing population.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12966-016-0445-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A study on the frequency of participation and time spent on sport in different organisational settings

ABSTRACTResearch question: As a result of the expansion of opportunities for leisure-time sport participation (LTSP), the question arises if differing organisational settings relate to differences in participation behaviour. This paper compares participation frequency and time spent on sport between club-organised and non-club-organised sport participants.Research methods: Data originate from the 2009 Household Study on Sport Participation in Flanders (Belgium). The sample consists of 4020 sports participants that are parents of school-aged children. The frequency of LTSP, time per training session and total time spent on sport per week are constructed as dependent variables for log-linear regression analyses. The organisational setting for LTSP is the main independent variable. Analyses are conducted at a total sample level and a sport-specific level.Results and findings: Participation frequency and time spent on sport increase when participants engage with club-organised sport. The association between the organisational setting for LTSP and the dependent variable varies as a function of different variables related to participation in a specific sport.Implications: As a contribution to ongoing debates on the promotion of LTSP in different organisational settings, results of this study allow for discussing the popularity of non-club-organised sport in relation to advantages of club-organised sport. For managers in sport organisations, it is important to gain insight in participation behaviour of (potential) participants to develop targeted strategies. Results are also relevant to policy-makers in order to adequately allocate resources aimed at increasing participation rates and time spent on sport among a broader range of the population.

Can we consider changes in sports participation as institutional change? A conceptual framework

The aim of this paper is to gain conceptual understanding of changes in leisure-time sports participation (LTSP) as an issue of institutional change. The study is elaborated in the LTSP research context of Flanders (Belgium) and Denmark. Data originate from the Flemish Household Study on Sports Participation (1969, 1979, 1989, 1999, 2009), Danish National Surveys on Sports Participation (1964, 1975, 1993, 1998, 2007, 2011) and the Flemish Participation Survey on Culture, Youth, Sports and Media (2009). A theoretical framework on institutional change is outlined to frame developments in the organisation of LTSP. Next, empirical evidence on changes in LTSP is presented based on time-trend observations and an in-depth analysis of profiles of participants in different organisational settings. The developments seem to reflect post-modern and post-materialist values that are linked to the theory of institutional change. The final part of the paper links changes in leisure-time sports participation to institutional theory in a conceptual framework of ‘greedy’ and ‘light’ institutions. The dynamic character of the framework suggests that both processes of deinstitutionalisation and reinstitutionalisation occur in the field of LTSP. The interpretation of institutional logics related to processes of change may inspire LTSP research from different perspectives.

Organized Sport Participation Is Associated with Higher Levels of Overall Health-Related Physical Activity in Children (CHAMPS Study-DK).

IntroductionMany children fail to meet international guideline recommendations for health-related activity (≥60 minutes/day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA]), and intervention studies to date have reported negligible effects.ObjectiveExplore the associations of organized leisure-time sport participation with overall physical activity levels and health-related physical activity guideline concordance.MethodsThis prospective cohort study was nested in the Childhood Health, Activity, and Motor Performance School Study Denmark. Study participants were a representative sample of 1124 primary school students. Organized leisure-time sport participation was reported via text messaging and physical activity was objectively measured over seven days with accelerometry. Associations between sport participation and physical activity level were explored with multilevel mixed-effects regression models and reported with beta coefficients (b) and adjusted odds ratios (aOR).ResultsParticipants were 53% female, with mean(SD) age = 8.4(1.4) years. Boys were more active than girls (p<0.001), and physical activity levels and guideline concordance decreased with age (p<0.001). Soccer participation at any frequency was associated with greater overall MVPA (b[95% CI] = 0.66[0.20,1.13] to 2.44[1.44,3.44]). Depending on participation frequency, this equates to 5–20 minutes more MVPA on the average day and 3 to 15 fold increased odds of achieving recommended levels of health-related physical activity (aOR[95%CI] = 3.04[1.49,6.19] to 14.49[1.97,106.56]). Similar associations were identified among children playing handball at least twice per week. Relationships with other sports (gymnastics, basketball, volleyball) were inconsistent.ConclusionsMany children, particularly girls and those in higher grade levels do not adhere to health-related physical activity recommendations. Organized leisure-time sport participation may be a viable strategy to increase overall health-related physical activity levels and international guideline concordance in children.

Reported Sports Participation, Race, Sex, Ethnicity, and Obesity in US Adolescents From NHANES Physical Activity (PAQ_D).

Objective. To understand the relationships between participation in different types of leisure time sport activity and adolescent obesity, and how those relationships might differ based on race, gender, and household income. Methods. Data consisted of 6667 students that took part in the 1999 to 2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The authors used adjusted Wald tests to examine differences in the prevalence of obesity (body mass index >95th percentile for age and sex) by sport for boys and girls separately. Results. Among adolescent youth age 12 to 19 years, 16.6% of male leisure time sport participants and 15.3% of female sport participants were obese, compared with 23.6% for male nonathlete participant-in-other-activities and 17.0% obesity rate for female nonathlete/participant-in-other-activities. For both males and females, reported participation in leisure time sports decreased between middle school and high school, and this reduction was associated with higher body mass index.

Total body fat percentage and body mass index and the association with lower extremity injuries in children: a 2.5-year longitudinal study

BackgroundOverweight youths are generally recognised as being at increased risk of sustaining lower extremity injuries in sports. However, previous studies are inconclusive and choices for measuring overweight are manifold.ObjectiveTo examine...

The impact on children's bone health of a school-based physical education program and participation in leisure time sports: The Childhood Health, Activity and Motor Performance School (the CHAMPS) study, Denmark

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of a school based physical education (PE) program and the amount of leisure time sport (LTS) on children's bone health and to examine if LTS influences the impact of school type on children's bone health. MethodsChildren attending “sports” schools (6×45min PE lessons per week) were compared to children at “traditional” schools (2×45min of PE lessons per week) in Svendborg, Denmark. Whole-body DXA scans were performed at baseline (2008) and at a two-year follow-up (2010). Bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and bone area (BA) were measured. Multilevel regression analyses examined the impact of school type and LTS participation on bone. Results742/800 (93%) invited children accepted to participate. 682/742 (92%) participated at two-year follow-up. Mean (SD) age was 9.5years (0.9) at baseline. A positive association between LTS and BMC, BMD (p<0.001) and for BA (p<0.05) (total body less head (TBLH) and lower limb (LL)) was found. All effects regarding school type were insignificant. ConclusionA positive impact of attending LTS on bone traits was found. There was no effect on BMC, BMD and BA (TBLH, and LL) for children attending sports schools compared to traditional schools.