Armstrong S, et al. - Researchers described the current patterns of physical activity and duration among adolescents and young adults as well as identified the direction and magnitude of relationships between physical activity and income, race/ethnicity, and sex. They reported that female adolescents and young adults were not meeting the recommended guidelines for physical activity. By race and income levels, substantial disparities were also noted and highlighted opportunities for targeted physical activity programming and policy efforts.

Methods

• It was a cross-sectional secondary data analysis.
• From 2007 through 2016, the self-reported physical activity data of adolescents and young adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was used.
• This data set was a multistage probability sample of the noninstitutionalized US population and allows estimates that represent the US population.
• Because of the consistent physical activity questions during this period, the years 2007 through 2016 were selected.
• Researchers enrolled adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 29 years who responded to the survey.
• People who were underweight were excluded.
• From October 17, 2017, to April 27, 2018, data analysis was performed.
• Self-reported physical activity duration and intensity were the main outcomes.

Results

• Out of 9472 members, 4771 (50.4%) were males, and the weighted mean age (range) was 20.6 (12-19) years.
• Females reported less physical activity than did their male counterparts across all demographic categories.
• It was observed that white adolescent males were most likely (89.3%; 95% CI, 86.5%-92.1%) and black females aged 18 to 24 years were least likely (45%; 95% CI, 39.0%-51.0%) to report any physical activity.
• Findings revealed that among those who were active, black males aged 18 to 24 years reported the longest duration of activity (77.9 minutes per day; 95% CI, 66.4-89.3 minutes per day), whereas black females aged 25 to 29 years reported the shortest duration of activity (33.2 minutes per day; 95% CI, 28.1-38.2 minutes per day).
• Younger age, white race, and higher income were correlated with greater physical activity in adjusted models.