Article

Physical activity of young people: The Amsterdam Longitudinal Growth and Health Study

Examined the natural development of habitual physical activity behavior (HPAB) of 83 male and 98 female Ss (aged 13 yrs), using data from the Amsterdam Longitudinal Growth and Health Study. HPAB was measured by structured interviews at ages 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, and 27 yrs and concerned all activities (at work, school, during leisure, organized and nonorganized sports, and active transportation). Results show that total HPAB in males, but not in females, decreased significantly in weekly time spent on HPAB between the ages of 13 and 27. The data show a considerable decrease in HPAB over a 15-yr period of time, both in male and female Ss. Differences between male and female Ss were predominantly caused by differences in time spent in moderate and very vigorous activities. In the course of time, organized sports activities became a relatively more important contributor of weekly HPAB.

Van Mechelen, W., Twisk, J. W. R., Post, G. B., Snel, J., & Kemper, H. C. G. (2000).
Physical activity of young people:
The Amsterdam Longitudinal Growth and Health Study. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 32(9), 1610-1616.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/00005768-200009000-00014

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Icon image: Fotograaf: Richard Mouw. Waterlandloop, uit fotobank gemeente Amsterdam

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