Contribution of Organized Sport Participation to Health-Related Fitness in Adolescents

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between organized sport (OS) participation and health-related fitness (HRF) in adolescents. A total of 320 adolescents (176 boys) aged between 10 and 16 years reported their engagement in OS and were assessed on 5 components of HRF (cardiovascular endurance, push-ups, curl-ups, flexibility, and body mass index). Data on OS participation frequency and duration were collected through a self-reported questionnaire. Adolescents were stratified by OS participation (engaged, n = 113; nonengaged, n = 220; 55% boys). Nonparametric quantile regression models were used to estimate the differences in HRF by participation group. Less than 30% of the participants reported they were regularly engaged in OS. Frequency of participation ranged from 2 to 5 days per week (median = 2; SD = 3), and duration of participation ranged from 45 to 180 minutes per week (median = 81.7; SD = 32.4). Adolescents who participated in OS displayed better cardiovascular endurance (+4.1 laps completed), with no statistically significant difference detected on any other HRF component. Our results highlight engagement in OS as a promising strategy for achieving cardiovascular endurance. Engagement in OS alone does not seem to be sufficient to enhance fitness components other than cardiovascular endurance.