A1 Journal article (refereed)
Leisure-time physical activity from adolescence to late middle age and its associations with the COVID-19 pandemic : A 45-year follow-up (2022)

Laakso, P. T., Huotari, P., Tolvanen, A. J., Kujala, U. M., Laakso, L. H., & Jaakkola, T. T. (2022). Leisure-time physical activity from adolescence to late middle age and its associations with the COVID-19 pandemic : A 45-year follow-up. Journal of Sports Sciences, 40(17), 1931-1939. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2022.2122318

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Laakso, Perttu T.T.; Huotari, Pertti; Tolvanen, Asko J.; Kujala, Urho M.; Laakso, Lauri H.T.; Jaakkola, Timo T.

Journal or series: Journal of Sports Sciences

ISSN: 0264-0414

eISSN: 1466-447X

Publication year: 2022

Publication date: 11/09/2022

Volume: 40

Issue number: 17

Pages range: 1931-1939

Publisher: Routledge

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2022.2122318

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: Channel is not openly available

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/83828

Abstract

We aimed to investigate the association of self-reported leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) over a 45-years from adolescence to late middle age mediated by LTPA in early middle age. We also explored whether LTPA in adolescence and early middle age was associated with change in LTPA during the COVID-19 pandemic. We constructed a path model employing questionnaire data from three LTPA measurements (1976, 2001, 2021) including duplicated assessment for pre- and during COVID-19 in 2021. The direct and indirect associations between LTPA in adolescence, early middle and late middle age were investigated, as well as the impact of previous LTPA on change in late middle age LTPA due to the pandemic. The number of participants per assessment was: n = 2083; n = 1468 (71% of the original); n = 878 (42%) and n = 867 (42%), respectively. However, the number varied depending on the path examined. LTPA in adolescence was associated with LTPA in late middle age, although the association was not strong. LTPA decreased significantly during the pandemic. Earlier LTPA was associated with change in LTPA between before and during COVID-19 among males. This study is the first to demonstrate an association between adolescent and late middle age LTPA. However, the association across the 45-years was low.

Keywords: physical activity; longitudinal research; follow-up study; young people; middle age; middle-aged persons; COVID-19

Free keywords: physical activity; longitudinal; follow-up; adolescence; middle age; COVID-19

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2022

JUFO rating: 1