The Role of Youth Sports in Promoting Children's Physical Activity and Preventing Pediatric Obesity: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Youth sport participation plays an important role in promoting physical activity among children and may be a possible venue for the prevention of pediatric obesity. To design effective physical activity interventions, it is imperative to understand how different aspects of sport participation influence physical activity (PA). The purpose of this article is to present a comprehensive review of the impact of youth sport participation on children's PA and obesity status. A total of 44 studies published up to January 2014 concerning youth sport participation, PA, and obesity status were identified. Inclusion criteria were studies comparing PA levels of sport participants to nonparticipants or those comparing PA levels in different sport types and settings. Studies with the outcome variables of obesity status (e.g., body mass index, fat percentage, waist circumference) were also included. Participation in youth sport was positively associated with children's PA levels, and youth participating in sports were more likely to persist in their PA. However, the relationship between youth sport participation and obesity status was inconclusive. Educators and sports professionals should find ways to involve children in various sports settings and policies and help obese children engage more in sports.

Organized Sports for Children, Preadolescents, and Adolescents

“…There is substantial association with organized sports involvement and higher levels of energy expenditure and physical activity, including MVPA. [109][110][111][112][113][114][115][116][117][118][119] Organized sports participation is also strongly correlated with better cardiovascular fitness in children and adolescents, 47,115,117,120 including endurance, speed, strength, and coordination. 121 On fitness tests, fifthgraders participating in recreational sports perform significantly better on measures of upper body strength and upper and lower body power than their peers.…”

“…126 The relationship between sports participation and obesity is less clear, with many studies showing no conclusive evidence of a positive correlation between organized sports participation and healthy weight status. 119 However, there is some indication that organized sports may have a role to play in reducing obesity. Early sports participation during kindergarten and first grade is associated with smaller increases in BMI during the adiposity rebound period of childhood, 4 and in elementary school, regular involvement in sports is associated with a lower likelihood of being overweight 120 and lower accumulation of body fat.…”

Leisure‐time physical activity and participation in organized sports: Changes from 1985 to 2014 in Finland and Norway

“…Organized sports provide structures for play, social interaction, and the development of skills. More than other forms of leisure-time PA for children and adolescents, participation in organized sports clubs is associated with improved psychological and social health, 13 increased likelihood of meeting PA recommendations, [14][15][16] and higher levels of VPA. [16][17][18] Furthermore, membership in sports clubs during adolescence predicts higher levels of leisure-time PA in adulthood.…”

Impact of a Multisport Recreation Program on Fitness Markers of Youth

“…Team sports are a popular youth activity in the United States, with over 56% of youth aged 6 to 12 having played a sport at least once a year [9]. In general, team sports are seen as a positive youth activity, with multiple social, physical, and developmental benefits [10,11,12]. Specific to health behaviors, youth sport participation is associated with important markers including increased physical activity levels and healthy body weight [13,14].…”