Adherence
There is an average decline in leisure-time physical activity from age 13 to 23, with the decline being significantly greater in males than in females.
Expect a drop in activity as you move from adolescence to adulthood, but do not accept it as inevitable. The average decline is steeper for men, so men need to be more proactive about maintaining habits. The key is to recognize this trend early and intervene, especially if you are an inactive male.
The findings suggest that the transition from adolescence to adulthood is, on average, a period of decline in physical activity, but with the decline levelling off into adulthood. The decline was significantly greater among males than females.
Why this rating
Robust longitudinal design with 8 time points over 10 years.
Source
Tracking of leisure-time physical activity during adolescence and young adulthood: a 10-year longitudinal study
Lise Kjønniksen et al. · International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity · 2008
DOI 10.1186/1479-5868-5-69
More from this paper
- Adolescent males who are inactive are at high risk of remaining inactive in young adulthood, whereas inactive adolescent females tend to increase their activity levels.Good
- Engaging in multiple specific types of physical activity during adolescence is moderately associated with higher global physical activity levels in young adulthood, whereas participation in single specific sports has weak associations.Good
Related findings · Adherence
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity) reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 20-30% and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25-35%.Strong
- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
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