Individual vs. Team Sports-What's the Better Strategy for Meeting PA Guidelines in Children?

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Nov 17;18(22):12074. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182212074.

Abstract

There is insufficient evidence from previous studies dealing with structure of sport preferences referring to the interconnection between individual factors (socio-economic status, organized/structured physical activity (PA), location, etc.), although these factors can considerably influence total level of PA as well as the structure of sport preferences. The study investigated associations between PA frequency and specific sports activities according to the intensity with the impact on leisure, sport, and education domain, using data from an international health behavior in school-aged children survey. Participants were fifth and ninth grade students in the Czech Republic (seven schools) and Slovakia (nine schools). The results showed a significant association between intensity in team sports and PA frequency per week. Those who participated in high-intensity team sports were 2.5 times more likely to be more physically active.

Keywords: education; health; leisure; lifestyle; programming.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Exercise
  • Humans
  • Leisure Activities
  • Schools
  • Sports*
  • Team Sports*