Tracking of leisure-time physical activity during adolescence and young adulthood: a 10-year longitudinal study
2008

Tracking Physical Activity from Adolescence to Young Adulthood

Sample size: 630 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kjønniksen Lise, Torsheim Torbjørn, Wold Bente

Primary Institution: Telemark University College, Norway

Hypothesis

How does participation in leisure-time physical activity change from ages 13 to 23?

Conclusion

The study found that physical activity generally declines from adolescence to adulthood, with significant individual differences, especially among males.

Supporting Evidence

  • The transition from adolescence to adulthood is generally marked by a decline in physical activity.
  • Males showed a greater decline in physical activity compared to females.
  • Participation in various physical activities during adolescence is moderately related to later activity levels.

Takeaway

As kids grow up, they often do less exercise, especially boys, but some activities like jogging and cycling stay popular into adulthood.

Methodology

The study used questionnaires over a 10-year period to track physical activity levels in 630 subjects from age 13 to 23.

Potential Biases

There may be selection bias due to higher dropout rates among males and differences in baseline activity levels.

Limitations

The study relied on self-reported data, which may not accurately reflect actual physical activity levels.

Participant Demographics

The sample included 630 adolescents, with a higher dropout rate among males.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Confidence Interval

(0.38, 1.79)

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1479-5868-5-69

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication