The association between participation in organised physical activity and level of physical activity and inactivity in adolescent girls

摘要

Background : An increase of leisure time and vigorous physical activity (PA) in girls can be supported by their regular participation in organised PA, as it brings numerous health benefits and is an important part of healthy lifestyle. Objective : This study aimed to examine whether there are differences in physical activity and inactivity structure and levels in girls who do not participate in any organised PA and girls who regularly participate in physical education or training classes. Methods : The sample comprised 497 girls (age 17.94 ± 0.52 years) from Poland participating never (group 1), or once (group 2), twice (group 3), and three or four times (group 4) a week in any organised PA. The Polish version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), accelerometer ActiGraph GT1M and activity and inactivity logs were used to assess the level and structure of physical activity and inactivity. Results : Girls participating in organised PA three or more times a week showed significantly the highest values of steps/day, moderate and vigorous PA, and leisure time PA, but also inactivity in comparison to girls without participation in organised PA. Conclusions : This study provides the evidence supporting the positive link between a number/week participation in organised PA and PA level. However, the findings from this study also advocate the need of increasing PA and reducing inactivity in girls in school or after-school periods, regardless of the participation in organised PA.