Sports Participation Research Articles

Longitudinal associations of participation in organized and unorganized sports in youth with physical activity in mid-adulthood: The Young Finns Study

ABSTRACT We investigated the longitudinal associations between sports participation patterns in youth and physical activity (PA) in adulthood. PA was self-reported triannually between ages 9–18 (n = 2550, 52% females) and measured by accelerometers in mid-adulthood (n = 1002, 61% females, aged 48 ± 4 years). Three latent classes of youth sports participation emerged for both genders: 1) “organized sports” (persistent high PA with regular sports club activities), 2) “unorganized sports” (persistent high PA without sports club activities and 3) “low activity” (low PA with decreasing sports involvement). These groups comprised 29%, 34% and 37% of males, and 23%, 27% and 50% of females, respectively. Youth “organized sports” was associated with higher adult PA in both males (+1166 steps/day, p = 0.012) and females (+15 min/day moderate-to-vigorous PA [MVPA], +1064 steps/day, +1066 leisure-time steps/day; p ≤ 0.005) compared to “low activity”. In males, youth “organized sports” was associated with higher adult PA (+1103 steps/day, −26 min/day sedentary time and +133 counts/minute higher total PA, p ≤ 0.039) compared to “unorganized sports”. In females, “unorganized sports” in youth was related to higher adult PA (+10 min/day MVPA, p = 0.034) when compared to “low activity”. Sustained participation in youth organized sports, and for females, also in unorganized sports, is positively linked with adult PA.

Longitudinal relationship between organised and non-organised physical activities and overall physical activity in children aged 3-11years.

Young children's physical activity (PA) has been decreasing while their sports participation has been increasing. Therefore, the aim of this research was to longitudinally examine whether and, if so, how organised and non-organised PA participation by early childhood education and care (ECEC)-aged children (T1; 3-8years) predicted their accelerometer-measured PA at primary school age (T2; 7-11years). Secondarily, changes in organised and non-organised PA participation over time were investigated. The cluster-randomised study participants comprised 501 Finnish children (52.3% girls: T1, Mage=5.57±1.06; T2, Mage=8.80±1.07). PA participation was queried via guardian questionnaire at T1 and T2. Organised PA participation was operationalised as non-participation, participation in one sport or multisport (two or more) participation; non-organised PA was operationalised as time spent outdoors on weekdays and on weekend days. PA at T2 was measured using accelerometers. The primary outcome was tested using linear regressions, while a paired sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U test assessed differences between T1 and T2. The results showed outdoor time and organised sports participation increased from T1 to T2. Moreover, outdoor time at T1 predicted more moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and less sedentary time at T2, while multisport participation predicted significantly more MVPA and less sedentary time at T2. Overall, being outdoors and multisport participation at younger ages appear to have predicted Finnish children's later (MV) PA and sedentary behaviour.

The impact of injuries on sports-related analgesic use in Danish youth elite athletes: A 4-week prospective cohort study

ObjectivesInvestigate the association between injury severity and sports-related analgesic use, and explore the types and reasons for analgesic use in Danish youth elite athletes. Design4-week prospective cohort study. Methods713 youth elite athletes (44 % female) aged 15–20 years provided information on demographics, sports specific questions, and injury severity. We categorized injury severity based on the amount of impact on sports participation: 1) no injury (reference), 2) injury not affecting sports participation, 3) injury causing modifications in sports participation, and 4) injury causing complete absence from sport. Participants were asked weekly over 4 weeks about the number of days with sports-related analgesic use, types, and reasons for use. Mixed-effects regression models were used to assess the association between injury severity and prevalence (yes/no) and frequency (days/week) of analgesic use. ResultsAnalgesic use at least once during the four weeks was reported by 224 athletes (31 %), with a mean weekly prevalence of 13 %. The odds of analgesic use increased with injury severity compared with the reference group; injury not affecting sports participation: OR 2.6 (95 % CI 1.6–4.2), injury causing modifications in sports participation: OR 3.2 (95 % CI 2.0–5.2), injury causing complete absence from sport: OR 3.6 (95 % CI 1.5-8.7) (test for trend; p = <0.001). The rate (frequency) of analgesic use also increased with injury severity (test for trend; p = 0.003). Athletes most commonly used analgesics to treat pain/injury after sports participation (62 %), and paracetamol was most frequently used (84 %). ConclusionsInjury severity was associated with increased odds and rate of analgesic use.

Shyness, Sport Engagement, and Internalizing Problems in Chinese Children: The Moderating Role of Class Sport Participation in a Multi-Level Model.

The relations between shyness and internalizing problems have been mainly explored at the individual level, with little known about its dynamics at the group level. This study aims to examine the mediating effect of individual-level sport engagement and the moderating effect of class-level sport participation in the relations between shyness and internalizing problems. The participants were 951 children attending primary and middle school from grade 3 to grade 7 (Mage = 11 years, 509 boys) in urban areas of China. Cross-sectional data were collected using self-report assessments. Multi-level analysis indicated that (1) shyness was positively associated with internalizing problems; (2) sport engagement partially mediated the relations between shyness and internalizing problems; and (3) class sport participation was a cross-level moderator in the mediating relations between shyness, sport engagement, and internalizing problems. Shy children in classes with a higher level of sport participation tend to have less sport engagement and more internalizing problems than those in classes with a lower level of sport participation. These findings illuminate implications from a multi-level perspective for shy children's adjustment in a Chinese context. The well-being of shy children could be improved by intervening in sport activity, addressing both individual engagement and group dynamics, such as class participation.

Who Plays and Who Doesn't? An Intersectional Examination of Disparities in Adolescent Sport and Physical Activity Lesson Participation

PurposeFew reports include more than 1–2 social identities when examining organized sport and physical activity (PA) participation among adolescents. We used a quantitative intersectional approach to examine disparities in adolescent sport and PA lesson participation. MethodsNinth and 11th grade 2022 Minnesota Student Survey participants (N = 62,940) self-reported social identities and team sport and PA lessons. Social identities included sex assigned at birth, gender modality, sexual identity, racial and ethnic identity, access to resources (i.e., economic status), weight status, and mental health/behavioral/emotional problems. We used Exhaustive Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detection to identify prevalence of participation among adolescents with different intersecting social identities. ResultsHalf of the sample played sports and one-quarter participated in PA lessons. Participation varied substantially at the intersections of social identities. Whereas participants in the highest prevalence sports participation groups were predominantly White, heterosexual, and had high resource access, participants in the lowest prevalence groups held multiple marginalized social identities: only 12.8% of adolescents with least access to resources who were questioning their gender identity and sexual identity, or who reported a sexual identity not listed, participated in sports. Regarding PA lessons, youth in the highest prevalence groups were predominantly heterosexual, had highest access to resources, and were youth of color; by comparison, most of the lowest prevalence groups comprised youth who had medium/low resource access and/or high body mass index, and often a diverse sexual, gender, or racial/ethnic identity. DiscussionMultiply marginalized adolescents are under-represented in sports and PA lessons. Organizations should address interlocking barriers to participation.

The Dropout From Youth Sport Crisis: Not as Simple as It Appears

Given the documented benefits associated with organized sport and thus the assumption that youth who leave sport are losing out on developmental benefits, dropout has been predominantly framed as a crisis to be solved. Throughout this paper we aimed to challenge the overarching narrative of youth dropout from organized sport as a negative outcome only by highlighting the complexity of youth sport experiences and participation patterns. First, we highlight the lack of conceptual clarity regarding the term “dropout” and question its relevance for describing youth’s sport experiences. Next, we discuss how declines in organized sport participation may reflect developmentally appropriate transitions in sport and broader physical activity for youth and across the life span. Finally, we suggest that, at times, disengagement may be a positive and protective outcome for youth when the sport environment is harmful. Recommendations for future research and practice are provided to advance the understanding of youth sport experiences and participation patterns.

Shoulder Pain in Competitive Swimmers: A Multi-Site Survey Study.

There are 2.8 million youth competitive swimmers in the United States (US), and shoulder pain is the most common complaint among swimmers. To determine prevalence of shoulder pain, disability, and dissatisfaction in youth competitive swimmers. A secondary purpose was to determine influence of age, competitive swimming experience, and previous history of shoulder pain or injury on shoulder pain, disability, and dissatisfaction, and finally to determine if sex, geographic area, and participation in a second sport relate to shoulder pain, disability, and dissatisfaction. Multi-site cross-sectional design. Six-hundred and seventy-one swimmers aged 9-17 years from six states in the US completed surveys which included demographics, the Penn Shoulder Score (PSS), and the Disability of Arm Shoulder Hand (DASH) Sports. Independent t-tests were used to compare pain, disability, dissatisfaction, the influence of age, sex, participation in second sport, geographic region, and history of shoulder pain. Linear regression analyses were performed to determine the interaction of these variables with reported pain and disability. Forty-nine percent of swimmers had shoulder symptoms. Greater shoulder pain and disability were reported in 15 to 17-year-olds compared to 9 to 10-year-olds (pain and disability: p<0.001), in swimmers with greater versus less years of experience (pain and disability: p<0.001), and in swimmers from eastern versus western states (pain: p=0.001, disability: p=0.0014). Swimmers not participating in a second sport had higher shoulder dissatisfaction (p=0.002). History of prior shoulder pain/traumatic injury was the best indicator of increased pain, disability, and dissatisfaction (p<0.001). Almost half of swimmers surveyed had shoulder pain, with a higher prevalence found in older age groups, those with greater experience, and in those with prior shoulder pain or traumatic injury. Further research should investigate shoulder pain prevention programs, and surveillance methods are recommended to identify symptomatic swimmers who may benefit from referral to prevent further pain and disability. III.

Transgender Athlete Participation in Sport: Misplaced Fear and the Harms of Exclusion.

As physical therapists and exercise professionals, we have an obligation to promote health and well-being through participation in sport and recreational/physical activity. We play an active role in facilitating and encouraging movement for a large percentage of the population, including our transgender patients/clients. It is integral that we include transgender individuals in supportive and inclusive atmospheres of play, and it is critical for us to lead the conversation around the inclusion of the transgender community in recreational activities and sport. This commentary provides evidence for the physical therapy community to support, advocate for, and include all populations as we promote healthy habits through sport.

Prevalence of Concomitant Injuries by Sport in Pediatric Patients With ACL Rupture.

Although the risk of concomitant injury with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears as a function of specific sports participation has been studied in adults, the topic has not been examined in pediatric and adolescent patients. The purpose of the study was to determine if certain sports were associated with a higher risk of concomitant injuries in the setting of an ACL tear. It was hypothesized that the risk of concomitant injuries with ACL tears will differ by type of sport participation in the pediatric population. Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Patients ≤18 years old from 2 tertiary children's hospitals who had undergone primary ACL reconstruction between 2006 and 2018 were included. Sport at the time of injury, demographic factors, and injury pattern (medial meniscal [MM] tears, lateral meniscal [LM] tears, posterior cruciate ligament [PCL] tears, medial collateral ligament [MCL] tears, lateral collateral ligament [LCL] tears, and any concomitant injury) were identified. A total of 855 patients with a mean age of 15.5 ± 1.7 years (range, 7-22 years) met the inclusion criteria. Of the included patients, 353 (41.3%) had an isolated ACL tear. A concomitant MM tear was identified in 27.6% of patients, LM tear in 42.9%, PCL injury in 0.4%, MCL injury in 3.0%, and LCL injury in 0.5%. There was no difference in the likelihood of concomitant MM injuries by sex (29.3% for male patients vs 26% for female patients; P = .31) or by sex within basketball (29.3% for male patients vs 25.6% for female patients; P = .96) or soccer (32.3% vs 26.3%; P = .06). Boys had higher proportions of LM injuries overall (51.7% for male patients vs 34.6% for female patients; P < .001) but not within the basketball subgroup (50.5% vs 40.0%; P = .86) or the soccer subgroup (59.7% vs 40.0%; P = .19). No statistically significant associations were found between patient age and specific ACL concomitant injury patterns. When stratifying by body mass index, it was found overweight and obese individuals constituted a greater proportion of LM (49.6% vs 39.1%; P = .01) but not MM (29.4% vs 25.5%; P = .28) injuries when compared to normal-weight patients. Using basketball as the comparison group, soccer and football injuries were 18% more likely to result in any concomitant injury, including concomitant MM, LM, PCL, MCL, and LCL injuries. In the pediatric population, soccer and football players were more likely to present with a concomitant injury in addition to ACL injury relative to basketball players. This study aids in understanding sport-associated ACL injury patterns and can help physicians with patient counseling and injury prevention.

Pars Interarticularis and Pedicle Stress Injuries in Young Athletes With Low Back Pain: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 902 Patients Evaluated With Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background: Previous studies have reported that spondylolysis occurs predominantly at the L5 and L4 levels, with defects at higher levels occurring in <5% of cases. However, computed tomography and radiography were the primary imaging modalities in these studies. Current evidence regarding diagnostic imaging for pediatric lumbar spondylolysis suggests that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is as accurate as computed tomography in detecting early stress reactions of the pars interarticularis or pedicles without fractures while avoiding radiation exposure. The early detection of spondylolysis results in a higher likelihood of bony union and a decreased likelihood of spondylolisthesis. Hypothesis: The increased use of MRI may reveal a larger proportion of spondylolysis in patients who experience an injury at a higher spinal level than previously reported. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The medical records of 902 pediatric and adolescent athletes (364 female, 538 male) diagnosed with symptomatic pars interarticularis and pedicle stress injuries at 2 academic medical centers between 2016 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients had MRI scans taken at the time of diagnosis. Only patients with pars/pedicle edema on MRI were included. Data regarding spondylolysis stage, spinal level of injury, unilateral versus bilateral injury, sport participation, and MRI protocol over the 5-year study period were analyzed. Results: Male patients presented at older ages than female patients (P < .001). Soccer was the most common sport at symptom onset and the second most common single-sport activity among those who specialized (participating in 1 sport year-round at the exclusion of others), behind gymnastics. The mean symptom duration was 4.0 months. Although most patients (83.5%) had exclusively lower lumbar stress injuries, 9.1% of injuries occurred at or above the L3 level. Over half of the patients had active single-level pars/pedicle fractures on MRI, with a mean symptom duration before presentation in this subgroup of 4.0 months. Even when pars/pedicle stress reactions were excluded from analysis, 7.1% of patients were injured at or above the L3 level. Conclusion: Among male and female athletes aged 8 to 21 years presenting with symptomatic pars interarticularis and pedicle stress injuries evaluated by MRI at the time of initial diagnosis, there was a higher incidence of upper lumbar stress injuries than previously reported.

Overuse Injury of the Epiphyseal Primary Physis.

Year-round participation in youth sport that involves high levels of repetitive movement fosters an environment in which overuse injuries are likely to occur. Epiphyseal primary physeal stress injuries (PSIs), unique to skeletally immature athletes, are a particular concern, given their potential for growth disturbance. Initially observed in Little League baseball players, these injuries are now known to affect the long bones around the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, knee, ankle, and foot of skeletally immature athletes involved in a variety of sport activities.This article offers an epidemiological and radiologic perspective on the extent and distribution of epiphyseal PSIs in youth sport. We also review a novel framework for understanding the pathophysiologic mechanisms causing these injuries. This information is essential for the early identification of epiphyseal PSIs and devising preventive measures that can reduce a delayed diagnosis and long-term morbidity. Preventing and reducing injury to the epiphyseal growth plates is essential because impairment and dysfunction can result in lifelong morbidity and a risk of premature osteoarthritis.

Ensemble Algorithm for Risk Prediction of Clinical Failure After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Patient-specific risk profiles of clinical failure after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are meaningful for preoperative surgical planning and postoperative rehabilitation guidance. To create an ensemble algorithm machine learning (ML) model and ML-based web-based tool that can predict the patient-specific risk of clinical failure after ACLR. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Included were 432 patients (mean age, 26.8 ± 8.4 years; 74.1% male) who underwent anatomic double-bundle ACLR with hamstring tendon autograft between January 2010 and February 2019. The primary outcome was the probability of clinical failure at a minimum 2-year follow-up. The authors included 24 independent variables for feature selection and model development. The data set was split randomly into training sets (75%) and test sets (25%). Models were built using 4 ML algorithms: extreme gradient boosting, random forest, light gradient boosting machine, and adaptive boosting. In addition, a weighted-average voting (WAV) ensemble model was constructed using the ensemble-voting technique to predict clinical failure after ACLR. Concordance (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC]), calibration, and decision curve analysis were used to evaluate predictive performances of the 5 models. Clinical failure occurred in 73 of the 432 patients (16.9%). The 8 most important predictors for clinical failure were follow-up period, high-grade preoperative knee laxity, time from injury to ACLR, participation in competitive sports, posterior tibial slope, graft diameter, age at surgery, and medial meniscus resection. The WAV ensemble algorithm achieved the best predictive performance based on concordance (AUC, 0.9139), calibration (calibration intercept, -0.1806; calibration slope, 1.2794; Brier score, 0.0888), and decision curve analysis (greatest net benefits) and was used to develop an web-based application to predict a patient's clinical failure risk of ACLR. The WAV ensemble algorithm was able to accurately predict patient-specific risk of clinical failure after ACLR. Clinicians and patients can use the web-based application during preoperative consultation to understand individual prediction outcomes.

Exploring Gentrification Architecture Pursuit in Individuals with Childhood Left-behind Experiences—Empirical Analysis Based on the Perspective of Sports Participation

Exploring Gentrification Architecture Pursuit in Individuals with Childhood Left-behind Experiences—Empirical Analysis Based on the Perspective of Sports Participation

Differences in Sitting Time by Club Sports Participation among Austrian Youth

Differences in Sitting Time by Club Sports Participation among Austrian Youth

Lower-Quarter Y-Balance Test Differs by Age: Younger Athletes May Not Be Generalized to High School-Aged Counterparts.

Given rising youth sport participation, 8 to 10-year-olds increasingly display comparable lower-extremity injury incidence to 11 to 17-year-olds and require effective return to sport criteria. One such criterion which quantifies dynamic stability is the Y-Balance Test (YBT), though it has not been validated in children under age 11. The purpose of this study was to examine the performance of 8 to 10-year-old patients on the YBT after lower-extremity injury and determine how these results compare to larger samples of age-grouped athletes within the validated 11 to 17-year-old range. It was hypothesized that 8 to 10-year-olds would display different normalized YBT distances compared to 11 to 17-year-olds. Cross-sectional Study. Patients (N=1093) aged 8 to 17 who presented to a pediatric sports medicine practice with a lower-extremity injury and completed the YBT between December 2015-May 2021 were included. Anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral YBT scores were collected at return-to-sport for affected and unaffected limbs. Scores were normalized to limb length, and composite scores were created. Between-limb differences were calculated in groups of ages 8-10, 11-12, 13-14, and 15-17. Groups were also evaluated for differences by sex. A rise in performance was observed in unaffected limb anterior reach from ages 8 to 10 years to 11 to 12 years followed by a subsequent significant decrease at older ages (p<0.001). Affected limb anterior reach differed between the youngest group and two oldest groups (p=0.004). Anterior and composite difference were significantly different between the oldest three groups (p=0.014 anterior; p=0.024 composite). No differences were observed between sexes in 8 to 10-year-olds, though 11 to 12-year-old females reached further during all eight distances. In the older three groups, males generally displayed greater between-limb differences. YBT scores, specifically anterior reach, demonstrated inconsistency by age and sex across a large adolescent cohort. Existing return-to-sport standards should not be used with younger athletes, and individual validation is required. Level III.

The Relationship between Football Participation and Sport Trait Confidence for Adolescents: A Chain-Mediated Effect of Collective Self-Esteem and Self-Esteem.

To investigate the relationship between sports participation and sport trait confidence, 1659 teenagers in primary and secondary schools who regularly play football were asked to complete the Sports Participation Scale, Collective Self-Esteem Scale, Self-Esteem Scale, and Sport Trait Confidence Scale. The results show that (1) the positive prediction of football participation on sport trait confidence is not significant; (2) collective self-esteem and self-esteem play a mediating role between football participation and sport trait confidence; (3) the mediating effect occurs through three pathways. The study provides theoretical guidance and empirical evidence for the lead and intervention of adolescent football participation on sport trait confidence. This study created a chain-mediated model to examine the mediating role of collective self-esteem and self-esteem in their relationship, as well as the impact of the two as chain mediators on football participation and sport trait confidence.

A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Sports Participation on Juvenile Delinquency

A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Sports Participation on Juvenile Delinquency

Role of Sports Motivation and Basic Psychological Needs in the Relationship Between Child Maltreatment and Psychological Adaptation in Adolescents.

Child maltreatment poses serious consequences, while sports participation among adolescents offers a potential avenue for mitigating such consequences. This study, based on self-determination theory (SDT), examines the associations among child maltreatment, sports motivation (intrinsic and extrinsic), and satisfaction or frustration of basic psychological needs (BPNs). This study also investigated the mediating role of sports motivation in the relationship between child maltreatment and psychological adaptation. Adolescents engaged in sports were derived from the first wave of a large two-wave study (wave 1: n = 1403; wave 2: n = 618) using data on child maltreatment, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and satisfaction and frustration of within the sports context. Subsequently, data on psychological adaptation, including self-esteem and satisfaction with life, were collected during the second wave. Path analyses revealed satisfaction and frustration of BPNs as significant mediators in the relationship between child maltreatment and sports motivation. In addition, intrinsic motivation mediated the relationship between child maltreatment and psychological adaptation after 18 months. Specifically, the results indicated that enhancing intrinsic motivation in adolescents with a history of child maltreatment by improving satisfaction of BPNs could be an innovative intervention target.

Results from Chile's 2022 report card on physical activity for children and adolescents

PurposeTo summarize the results of Chile's 2022 Report Card (RC) on physical activity (PA) for Children and Adolescents. MethodsChile's 2022 RC included ten core PA indicators common to the Global Matrix 4.0. Evidence from scientific articles, reports, and databases published between 2018 and January 2022 was included for each indicator. The data were collected and analyzed by a national scientific committee, which assigned letter grades (A to F) using a consensus based on benchmarks defined and revised by the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance. ResultsThe committee assigned the following grades: Overall PA, D−; Organized Sports and Physical Activity Participation, C−; Active Play, Incomplete; Active Transportation, D; Sedentary Behavior, D−; Physical Fitness, Incomplete; Family and Peers, D; School, C; Community and Environment, D+; Government, A−. ConclusionsChile's 2022 RC, like its previous versions, shows persistently low grades for most indicators. Overall PA remained nearly unchanged, while Community and Environment scored lower. Slight improvements were seen in Organized Sports, Family and Peers, and School Environment. While Chile has endeavored to increase children's activity levels, policies require implementation through a systemic, coherent framework to promote sustainable changes and reach a larger portion of children and youth.

No- and low-alcohol beer and the sponsorship of sport in Australia: An audit of sponsorship partnerships and analysis of marketing tactics.

Alcohol sponsorship of sport is associated with increased alcohol consumption. Little research to date has examined the sponsorship of sport by no- and low-alcohol (NoLo) beverage brands, despite concern that the marketing of these products might be harmful to young people. This study had dual aims: to identify sporting partnerships between NoLo beers and Australian sport, and examine marketing tactics used in social media advertising to promote these partnerships. Our sample included NoLo beers sold online from three large Australian alcohol retailers. First, we performed a qualitative content analysis of partnerships between NoLo beers and sport using publicly available online information. We then analysed the 118 social media posts of NoLo brands linked to these partnerships using a coding framework adapted from the alcohol literature. Of 34 brands, 13 had sporting sponsorship partnerships across a range of spectator and participatory sports. Key marketing tactics identified on social media were activations, time-and event-specific drinking, influencer marketing, competitions, and corporate social responsibility. In particular, NoLo brands aim to disrupt the sports drink market by advertising their products as healthy recovery drinks, or 'sports beers', through activation events. Brands are also using influencer marketing and competitions, two tactics shown to be particularly persuasive for young people. NoLo beer brands strategically align with Australian sports to promote NoLo consumption. As they are classified as soft drinks in Australia, NoLo beverages are not regulated like alcohol. Future discussions around sports sponsorship and advertising regulation must consider NoLo products.