Physical and sports activities in adolescence: changes in choices over the last decades

Abstract

Physical activity in adolescence seems to be one of the main indicators of an active lifestyle in adulthood. Therefore, it is well-advised to examine which activities and sports interest young people. The objective of the present study is to investigate preferences for physical activities and sports during adolescence over the last decades. A population based cross-sectional study was carried-out in Pelotas-RS. Individuals aged 20 years or older (N=3100) answered questions involving the practice of regular physical activity (of at least 6 months) in adolescence. The results showed that soccer and volleyball among men and volleyball and dance among women are the most practiced activities. Gym-based activities such as gymnastics and weight lifting have gained considerable popularity among young people. Recognizing which physical activities young people participate in and focusing initiatives to their preferences could be an efficient method to control the increasing rates of sedentarism in this population.