Youth sport participation and physical activity in rural communities

Abstract

Background Physical activity, a high-frequency health behavior, varies by where children live, learn, and play. Children accumulate physical activity in adult-led in-school and out-of-school settings. Youth sport is a potential setting for physical activity, but there are differences in youth sport participation based on age, sex, and socioeconomic status. There is a gap in understanding demographic influences on youth sport participation and how these factors interact to influence physical activity. This study examines influences of grade, sex, and family income on youth sport participation and these factors and youth sport participation on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity of children in rural communities. Methods Children (n = 418 3rd–6th graders) living in two rural communities completed the online Youth Activity Profile as part of Wellscapes, a type 3 hybrid implementation-effectiveness community randomized trial. Mixed models with community as a random effect examined main effects and interactions of grade, sex, and family income on youth sport participation and these factors and youth sport participation on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Results About 80% of children engaged in youth sport, and full-pay lunch students were almost four times more likely to have youth sport participation than students with free/reduced lunch (OR = 3.91, 95% CI = 1.95, 7.8). Females and 6th graders (p < 0.05) had lower physical activity than comparison groups. Males with higher family income had greater physical activity; females with higher family income had less physical activity. For 6th graders, high family income had less effect on physical activity than similar 3rd-5th graders (p < 0.01). Conclusions While a fairly high percentage of children participate in youth sports, there are disparities in rural communities on youth sport participation and physical activity outcomes based on age, sex, and family income.

Contextualizing Adolescent Female Physical Activity Behavior: A Descriptive Study

“…While there were no significant differences in MVPA in terms of grade and race, the results indicate the overall daily average minutes of MVPA to be lower than recommended levels for this population. A recent population PA surveillance study also found that females and particularly middle school females (i.e., sixth grade) reported lower levels of PA than males [ 16 , 17 ]. Furthermore, our study indicated that there were no statistically significant PA levels based on age/grade level.…”

Differences in American adolescent sport participation during the COVID-19 pandemic by learning mode: A national survey

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Perceived Constraints on Active Recreational Sport Participation among Residents in Urban China

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