ARS | Publication request: Identifying physical activity gender differences among youth

Submitted to: International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: March 1, 2010
Publication Date: June 1, 2010
Repository URL: http://www.isbnpa.org/media/pdfs/2010%20ISBNPA%20Abstract%20Book%20PDF.pdf
Citation: Guillory, I., Thompson, D.J. 2010. Identifying physical activity gender differences among youth [abstract]. In: International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Abstract Book, June 9-12, 2010, Minneapolis, MN. p. 384.

Technical Abstract: Physical activity (PA) is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and reduces risk of certain chronic diseases. Many youth do not currently meet PA guidelines; evidence suggests that girls are less active than boys are at all ages. PA differences need to be understood, so that gender-specific interventions can be developed. Therefore, a literature review was conducted to explore this issue. Relevant studies were located by searching Medline, Science Citation Index, Social Science Citation Index, CINHAHLARC Service, and Psychinfo; a manual review of reference lists of identified articles was also conducted. Search terms included combinations of: PA, children, gender, psychosocial, family, and peers. Full text articles were reviewed. Inclusionary criteria were studies that focused on healthy children in grades K-8, published in English used self-report or objective PA measures, and appeared in peer-reviewed journals from 1989 to 2009. Exclusionary criteria were studies that involved children with health or medical conditions that limited PA or did not meet inclusionary criteria. One hundred thirty-seven articles were identified and screened; of these 68 were excluded, while 69 met the criteria and will be examined for gender differences related to frequency, duration, intensity, psychosocial factors, and preferences. Understanding gender differences in PA will provide a foundation for development of interventions specifically tailored to the needs and interests of boys and girls.