@article{ref1,
title="Past-year sports participation, current physical activity, and fitness in urban adolescent girls",
journal="Journal of physical activity and health",
year="2009",
author="Phillips, J. A. and Young, Deborah Rohm",
volume="6",
number="1",
pages="105-111",
abstract="BACKGROUND: This study examined associations between sports participation, physical activity, fitness level, and body mass index in ninth-grade girls. METHODS: Data were analyzed for 221 participants who completed sports participation and physical activity recall questionnaires, an aerobic step test, and height and weight measurement. RESULTS: On average, participants had low physical activity levels, and many were overweight or obese (47%). About half participated in at least one organized sport in the previous year. Sports participants had higher current estimated energy expenditure compared with non-sports participants (P=.0007). Those who participated on at least two teams were more likely to complete the three-stage step test without reaching their target heart rate than those who did not participate on any teams (P<.03). Past sports participation was positively associated with current physical activity and fitness levels. CONCLUSION: Urban adolescent girls who participate in sports have increased energy expenditure and higher fitness levels, indicating sports as a potential strategy to improve physical activity and health in this population.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1543-3080",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}