Adolescent Physical Activity and Health

Abstract

Physical activity in adolescence may contribute to the development of healthy adult lifestyles, helping reduce chronic disease incidence. However, definition of the optimal amount of physical activity in adolescence requires addressing a number of scientific challenges. This article reviews the evidence on short- and long-term health effects of adolescent physical activity. Systematic reviews of the literature were undertaken using a reference period between 2000 and 2004, based primarily on the MEDLINE/PubMed database. Relevant studies were identified by examination of titles, abstracts and full papers, according to inclusion criteria defined a priori. A conceptual framework is proposed to outline how adolescent physical activity may contribute to adult health, including the following pathways: (i) pathway A--tracking of physical activity from adolescence to adulthood; (ii) pathway B--direct influence of adolescent physical activity on adult morbidity; (iii) pathway C--role of physical activity in treating adolescent morbidity; and (iv) pathway D - short-term benefits of physical activity in adolescence on health. The literature reviews showed consistent evidence supporting pathway 'A', although the magnitude of the association appears to be moderate. Thus, there is an indirect effect on all health benefits resulting from adult physical activity. Regarding pathway 'B', adolescent physical activity seems to provide long-term benefits on bone health, breast cancer and sedentary behaviours. In terms of pathway 'C', water physical activities in adolescence are effective in the treatment of asthma, and exercise is recommended in the treatment of cystic fibrosis. Self-esteem is also positively affected by adolescent physical activity. Regarding pathway 'D', adolescent physical activity provides short-term benefits; the strongest evidence refers to bone and mental health. Appreciation of different mechanisms through which adolescent physical activity may influence adult health is essential for drawing recommendations; however, the amount of exercise needed for achieving different benefits may vary. Physical activity promotion must start in early life; although the 'how much' remains unknown and needs further research, the lifelong benefits of adolescent physical activity on adult health are unequivocal.

Physical fitness in childhood and adolescence: a powerful marker of health

“…In this regard, a systematic review focused on the associations between adolescent physical activity and several health outcomes concludes that there is a strong evidence indicating that adolescent physical activity is related to bone health at that age and also in later life. 5 However, the short-term and long-term relationships between physical fitness and skeletal health have not been specifically reviewed yet. Is physical fitness in young people associated with bone health at these ages and later in life?…”

“…Like adults, children and adolescents can have mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety or self-esteem. There is strong evidence suggesting that physical activity improves mental health in young people, 5 but the literature focused on the relationship between fitness and mental health is scarce.…”

“…Thorough reviews have recently discussed the associations between physical activity at young ages and its short/long-term consequences on health. [5][6][7][8][9][10] However, less is known about physical fitness and health outcomes in young people. 9 In the last years, an increasing amount of research on physical fitness and health in childhood and adolescence has been published.…”

Distância percebida até as instalações de lazer e sua associação com a prática de atividade física e de exercícios em adolescentes de Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil

“…A prática regular de atividade física de intensidade moderada a vigorosa e exercícios de força e alongamento nessa faixa etária podem proporcionar benefícios para a saúde dos jovens, bem como a diminuição de fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares, além da melhora da saúde osteomioarticular e mental 2,3 . Ainda, pesquisas mostram que adolescentes fisicamente ativos tendem a se tornar adultos igualmente ativos 4,5 .…”

Physical Activity as Primary Prevention to Address Cancer Disparities

“…[12][13][14] Regular PA has been associated with lower cancer incidence ranging from 10% to 50% across many types, including breast, 15-22 colon, [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33] endometrial, 34-37 and lung cancers. 34,[38][39][40] While it is difficult in most epidemiologic studies to disentangle the contributions of sedentariness and obesity to cancer risk, PA clearly exerts its protective influence both directly (for example, by decreasing gastrointestinal transit time, consuming calories needed for tumor growth, improving immune system functioning, and/or postponing pubertal development 41 ) and indirectly (by decreasing fat stores, favorably altering fat distribution, and preventing weight gain). For further discussion of factors, see Courneya and Friedenreich 42 elsewhere in this issue.…”