Citation

Bassett DR, John D, Conger SA, Fitzhugh EC, Coe DP. J. Phys. Act. Health 2014; 12(8): 1102-1111.

Affiliation

Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Human Kinetics Publishers)

DOI

10.1123/jpah.2014-0050

PMID

25347913

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Increases in childhood and adolescent obesity are a growing concern in the United States (U.S.), and in most countries throughout the world. Declines in physical activity are often postulated to have contributed to the rise in obesity rates over the past 40 yr.

METHODS: We searched for studies of trends in physical activity and sedentary behaviors of U.S. youth, using non-traditional data sources. Literature searches were conducted for active commuting, physical education, high-school sports, and outdoor play. In addition, trends in sedentary behaviors were examined.

RESULTS: Data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) and other national surveys, as well as longitudinal studies in the transportation, education, electronic media, and recreation sectors showed evidence of changes in several indicators. Active commuting, high school physical education, and outdoor play (in 3-12 year olds) declined over time, while sports participation in high school girls increased from 1971 to 2012. In addition, electronic entertainment and computer use increased during the first decade of the 21st century.

CONCLUSIONS: Technological and societal changes have impacted the types of physical activities performed by U.S. youth. These data are helpful in understanding the factors associated with the rise in obesity, and in proposing potential solutions.

Language: en