Journal of Adolescent Health
Volume 42, Issue 5 , Pages 480-485, May 2008

Sex Differences in Exercise Behavior During Adolescence: Is Biological Maturation a Confounding Factor?

  • Sean P. Cumming, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • School for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress correspondence to: Sean P. Cumming, Ph.D., School for Health, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, United Kingdom.
    • ,
  • Martyn Standage, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • School for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
    • ,
  • Fiona Gillison, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • School for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
    • ,
  • Robert M. Malina, Ph.D.

      Affiliations

    • University of Texas at Austin and Tarleton State University, Stephenville, Texas

Received 20 June 2007; accepted 5 October 2007. published online 03 January 2008.

Abstract 

Purpose

To test the hypothesis that sex-related differences in exercise behavior during adolescence are confounded by biological age.

Methods

Biological age and leisure-time exercise activity were assessed in 103 male and 83 female British Year 9 students (mean = 14.04 years, SD = 0.31). To assess exercise behavior, participants completed the Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (LTEQ). Percentage of predicted adult height attained at measurement was used as an estimate of biological maturity status. Males reported more frequent engagement in strenuous forms of exercise and total exercise activity than females.

Results

Sex differences in exercise behavior were attenuated and nonsignificant when biological maturity was controlled for.

Conclusions

Sex-related differences in biological maturity contribute to sex-related differences in exercise behavior during adolescence.

Keywords: Growth, Maturity, Boys, Girls, Youth, Exercise, Activity

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 30.00 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

PII: S1054-139X(07)00415-6

doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2007.10.005

Journal of Adolescent Health
Volume 42, Issue 5 , Pages 480-485, May 2008

Article Tools