Sports participation among Portuguese youth 10 to 18 years.

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2007

Authors

Seabra, AF (Author) FADEUP; Mendonca, DM (Author) ICBAS; Thomis, MA (Author) Other; Malina, RM (Author) Other; Maia, JA (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Journal of Physical Activity & Health

Vol. 4

Pages: 370-380

ISSN: 1543-3080

Publisher: Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc.

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge

Scopus - 29 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-007-KF6

Abstract (EN): BACKGROUND: The present study considered age- and sex-associated variation in sports participation (SP) in Portuguese youth. METHOD: A national 12,568 students, 10-18 years, was surveyed. Two items of the Baecke et al. (1982) questionnaire that deal with SP were considered. Logistic regression and factorial ANOVA were used. RESULTS: The prevalence of SP is greater in males than females. Mean sport scores increased in both sexes from 10-18 years. Soccer was the most practiced sport among males, while swimming and soccer were the most practiced sports among females. Males participated in SP > 4 hours per week compared to 1-2 hours per week in females. High intensity sports were more prevalent among males, while sports of mid-level intensity were more prevalent among females. The majority of youth participate in sport more than 9 months of the year. CONCLUSION: SP is an important component of physical activity among Portuguese youth and has a relatively stable prevalence between 10-18 years.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 11