Key factors influencing physical activity differ between children and adolescents
In short: Researchers who reviewed 108 studies on children's and adolescents' physical activity found that the factors linked to being active differ by age group. For children, family and environment mattered most; for adolescents, psychological and social factors took over. About 60% of the associations tested were statistically significant.
Children's activity levels were consistently tied to being male, parental overweight, enjoying being active, and spending time outdoors, while teenagers' activity was linked to factors like perceived competence, depression, sedentary behaviour, and support from parents and peers.
As a review of past studies rather than a new experiment, it cannot show that these factors cause activity levels, only that they are associated with them.
Why it matters: What encourages children to be active may change as they grow into the teenage years.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Research: Sallis et al. (2000). A review of correlates of physical activity of children and adolescents. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.
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