A1 Journal article (refereed)
Physical activity, physical fitness and self-rated health : cross-sectional and longitudinal associations in adolescents (2024)
Joensuu, L., Tammelin, T. H., Syväoja, H. J., Barker, A. R., Parkkari, J., & Kujala, U. M. (2024). Physical activity, physical fitness and self-rated health : cross-sectional and longitudinal associations in adolescents. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 10, Article e001642. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2023-001642
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Joensuu, Laura; Tammelin, Tuija H.; Syväoja, Heidi J.; Barker, Alan R.; Parkkari, Jari; Kujala, Urho M.
Journal or series: BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine
eISSN: 2055-7647
Publication year: 2024
Volume: 10
Article number: e001642
Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2023-001642
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Open Access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/94215
Abstract
To evaluate the independent associations of physical activity and physical fitness with self-rated health in adolescents.
Methods
Data from a 2-year observational study (2013–2015) were used (n=256, 58% girls, 13.7±0.3 years at baseline). Self-rated health was assessed with a questionnaire, physical activity by an accelerometer and a questionnaire, and physical fitness via the measurements included in the Finnish national Move! monitoring system for physical functional capacity and their z-score average (fitness index).
Results
Self-reported physical activity had cross-sectional associations with self-rated health (girls β 0.213, p=0.006, β 0.221 boys p=0.021) while accelerometer-based moderate-to-vigorous physical activity did not. Higher self-reported physical activity at baseline was associated with higher self-rated health at follow-up in boys (β 0.289, p<0.001), but not in girls (β −0.056, p=0.430). Accelerometer-based moderate-to-vigorous physical activity had positive longitudinal associations with future self-rated health in boys, but some of these similar associations were negative in girls. Fitness index had a positive cross-sectional association with self-rated health in boys (β 0.282 or β 0.283, p=0.002), but not in girls (β 0.162 or β 0.161, p=0.051). Physical fitness was not longitudinally associated with self-rated health.
Conclusions
Self-reported physical activity showed potential to explain current and future self-rated health better than accelerometer-based physical activity or physical fitness. We recommended to consider self-reported physical activity as an adequate metric of adolescent health in the population-level surveillance systems.
Keywords: physical activity; physical fitness; physical training; health; functional capacity
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2024
Preliminary JUFO rating: 1
