Abstract:
Health benefits from physical activity (PA) have been well documented. However, less attention has been put on the adverse health effects from being physically inactive. While encouraging people to be more active, prevention of physical inactivity (PIA) should also be addressed.
PURPOSE: To examine the physical, psychological, and lifestyle characteristics of physically inactive youth in Hong Kong.
METHODS: A stratified random sample of 1,807 youth (age 12-15 yrs) was recruited with consent from all 18 school districts of Hong Kong. Participants were asked to complete a series of health-related fitness tests and a questionnaire on PA participation, perceived health and other lifestyle questions. All fitness tests were implemented by trained testers. Questionnaire was guided by trained interviewers in school’s setting. PA was measured from a one-item PA rating scale (ranging from 0-10). With reference to current guidelines, a PA rating of 0 to 3 was classified as PIA, while rating of 7-10 as active.
RESULTS: PIA youth accounted for 41% of the sample. Compared with active youth, PIA youth demonstrated 4% higher in %fat with no difference in BMI, 4 kg less in handgrip strength (i.e., 13% lower), 8 reps less in 1-min sit-up (23% lower), and 19 laps less in PACER test (39% lower). All p<.001. 17% PIA youth perceived their general health was not good or very bad; 16.8% reported not satisfying with their life (versus 6.1% and 8.5% in active youth, respectively). Odds ratio (adjusted for age, gender, and BMI) for perceiving poor health in PIA youth was 4.74 (95%CI: 2.80, 8.01), and not satisfying with their life was 2.37 (95%CI: 1.51, 3.72). 31.7% PIA youth sit for >12 hours daily (vs 23.3%); odds ratio 1.68 (95%CI: 1.25, 2.27). No difference in TV watching time, but 48.1% PIA youth played video game >3 hrs daily (vs 32.9%). 29% PIA youth reported poor sleep quality (vs 12.2%). Only 19.2% and 27.1% PIA youth consumed 2 servings of fruits and vegetables daily (vs 29.3% & 40.4% respectively).
CONCLUSION: Physical inactivity is associated with significant health problems in Hong Kong youth. PIA youth demonstrated 10%-40% lower in fitness, 2 to 4 folds higher in negative self-perception, and problems in sedentary behaviors, sleep quality and poorer diet habits. This information may help to develop physicalinactivity guidelines.
© 2014 American College of Sports Medicine
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