Factors associated with a low level of physical activity in adolescents from La Rioja (Spain).

INTRODUCTION

Compliance with the recommendations regarding physical activity by adolescents is poor despite its proven benefits on their health.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to analyse the physical activity engagement in an adolescent population, evaluating its relationship with various indicators of physical and psychological health, as well as the influence of different sociodemographic variables as potential predictors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was applied to a sample of 761 students (14.51 ± 1.63 years) from 25 schools in La Rioja (Spain). Physical activity engagement, hours of nightly sleep, maximum oxygen uptake, health-related quality of life, self-esteem, body image satisfaction, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, body mass index, academic performance and various sociodemographic factors were analysed for all participants.

RESULTS

Being older, being a girl, having a low/medium socioeconomic level, living in unfavourable environments for practicing physical activity, not doing extracurricular sports activities, and being dissatisfied with body image were all predictors of a low physical activity engagement. Likewise, physical activity engagement reported positive associations with health-related quality of life, self-esteem, hours of nightly sleep, adherence to the Mediterranean diet and maximum oxygen uptake.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions aimed at promoting physical activity must take into account these predictive factors, trying to favor their performance, especially in the most vulnerable groups.