Affiliation:
1. Laboratory of InVestigation in Exercise (LIVE), Department of Physical Education Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) Presidente Prudente Brazil
2. Department of Physical Education State University of Maringá Maringá Brazil
3. Department of Physical Education & Exercise Science Lander University Greenwood South Carolina USA
4. Toledo Prudente University Center, Presidente Prudente Sao Paulo Brazil
Abstract
AbstractObjectiveThe aim was to analyze the relationship between early sports participation (ESP) and body fatness (BF) in adults, as well as to identify whether this possible relationship is directly influenced by the current physical activity (PA) level.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study combined baseline data of two cohort. The BF estimated by DXA. The ESP, the subjects reported the engagement in sports during childhood (7–10 years) and adolescence (11–17 years) through two yes/no questions and current PA (described as steps) was device—measured using pedometers. Were identified as potential covariates and therefore adjusted the multivariate models: age, ethnicity, alcohol consumption, smoking, and sleep quality. Statistical analysis consisted of the chi‐square test, analysis of variance/covariance, and structural equation modeling (software BioEstat version 5.0; p‐value < .05).ResultsAdults engaged in ESP had lower BF; among women, the variance in BF explained by ESP was 25.5%; among men, it was 9.2%. Sports participation in early life (r = −.436 [95% CI: −0.527 to −0.346]) and current PA (r = −.431 [95% CI: −0.522 to −0.340]) were inversely related to BF, as well as positively related to each other (r = .328 [95% CI: 0.226 to 0.430]). In the mediation model, current PA partially mediated (18.5%) the impact of ESP on BF, while current PA and ESP remained relevant determinants of BF.ConclusionEarly sports participation and current PA have a significant impact on BF in adulthood, which is of similar magnitude and independent of each other.
Funder
Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior
Fundacion Araucaria
Subject
Genetics,Anthropology,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics,Anatomy