The status of physical activity, body composition, health-related fitness and social correlates of physical activity among adolescents: the PAHL study

Abstract

Research has shown that social correlates of physical activity play an important role in individual participation in physical activity or sport, and hence their link with associated health benefits. The purpose of this study was to determine the status of physical activity (PA), body composition, health–related fitness and social correlates of physical activity among adolescents attending high schools in the Tlokwe Local Municipality of the North West Province. A cross–sectional study design was followed on a total of 284 (111 boys and 173 girls) adolescents with the mean age of 14.90±0.72, who are part of the Physical Activity and Health Longitudinal Study (PAHLS). Height, weight, skinfold thickness (triceps, subscapular and calf) and waist circumferences were measured through the standard procedures described by the International Standard of Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Body mass index (BMI), waist–to–height ratio (WtHR) and percentage body fat (%BF) were used as measures of body composition. Health–related physical fitness (HRPF) was determined by measuring cardio–respiratory endurance, muscle strength and endurance, and flexibility using standardised tests test protocols. The standardised International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ–Short form) and Social Support for Physical Activity questionnaire were used to gather information on physical activity and social correlates for physical activity, respectively. The results show that 29% of the 284 participants are underweight and 26% overweight. 34% of boys were underweight and 17% were overweight while 27% of girls were underweight and 32% overweight. Boys significantly (p