Young people's exercise habits lead to better health

Forming long-term recreational exercise habits early in life has beneficial effects on physical and mental health later in life, but some groups, such as women and high achievers, disproportionately miss out on the benefits of

Research from the University of Adelaide shows that women, those with lower self-efficacy, those who are less physically active, those with higher academic attainment, and those who are socio-economically disadvantaged are all more likely to be at risk from adolescence to young adulthood. We found that the risk of not establishing a regular exercise pattern was highest during the transition period.

The findings were made by examining data collected as part of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Youth (LSAY), which found that young Australians, on average, are It has also been shown that physical activity has decreased.

Associate Professor Oliver Schubert, from the University of Adelaide, said: 'Continued regular exercise in young people has long-term benefits that improve strength, physical health and self-esteem, reduce suffering and reduce the risk of illness in adulthood. “It is well known that this pattern can be established.” College of Medicine and Adelaide Northern Regional Health Network.

“There seems to be a critical period in people's teenage years, around age 15, to establish these behaviors.”

While women's sports are gaining more attention, researchers say multiple factors are contributing to the gender disparity.

“The disadvantages experienced by women are influenced not only by fewer opportunities, lower access and lack of diversity in sport, but also by differences in parental and cultural expectations, stereotypes and role models.” Dr Julie Morgan, Clinical Associate Lecturer at the University of Adelaide, says: She is a doctor of psychiatry and lead author of the study.

“Psychological factors such as perceived sporting ability and self-efficacy may play an additional role. Our study shows that promoting long-term regular exercise in adolescent women , highlighting the need to do more.”

To the researchers' surprise, women were not the only group at risk.

Associate Professor Scott Clark, Head of Psychiatry at the University of Adelaide, said: “The risks to high achievers are unexpected and highlight the need to encourage this population to balance study and self-care.”

Previous studies have shown similar results regarding the benefits of forming an exercise habit, but the LSAY data provides a clearer understanding than was previously possible.

“LSAY, which tracks young Australians as they transition from school to study and work, is large and has a high tracking rate, so it is sensitive to the impact of social and policy changes that can impact education, occupation and society. It has become an invaluable resource for analyzing physical and mental health outcomes,” says Jana Bednarz, senior statistician at the University of Adelaide, who conducted the longitudinal modeling analysis.

“Our analysis, which is based on repeated measures trajectories, provides more robust data than previous cross-sectional studies where data were collected only once, and therefore provides good evidence for youth physical activity policy development in Australia. Offers.”

Researchers say early outreach is needed to encourage identified at-risk groups to develop long-term exercise habits.

“Given that predictors of these patterns can be identified at age 15, there is an important role for secondary education, especially in recent years when academic achievement has become more central for young people,” said Professor Schubert. said.

“Similarly, universities and vocational training institutions can run programs that support and encourage physical activity and sport.

“State governments and local councils need to ask whether their current leisure infrastructure supports the needs of young people. Funding and support for grassroots community sport across gender and socio-economic groups is critical. ”