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The influence of maturation, body size and physical self-perceptions on longitudinal changes in physical activity in adolescent girls
Fawkner, Samantha Henretty, Joan Gibson, Ann-Marie Nevill, Alan Niven, Ailsa
Fawkner, Samantha
Henretty, Joan
Gibson, Ann-Marie
Nevill, Alan
Niven, Ailsa
Abstract
The aim of this study was to adopt a longitudinal design to explore the direct effects of both absolute and relative maturation and changes in body size on physical activity, and explore if, and how, physical self-perceptions might mediate this effect. We recruited 208 girls (11.8 ± 0.4 years) at baseline. Data were collected at three subsequent time points, each 6 months apart. At 18 months, 119 girls remained in the study. At each time point, girls completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children, the Pubertal Development Scale (from which, both a measure of relative and absolute maturation were defined) and the Physical Self-Perception Profile, and had physical size characteristics assessed. Multilevel modelling for physical activity indicated a significant negative effect of age, positive effect for physical condition and sport competence and positive association for relatively early maturers. Absolute maturation, body mass, waist circumference and sum of skinfolds did not significantly contribute to the model. Contrary to common hypotheses, relatively more mature girls may, in fact, be more active than their less mature peers. However, neither changes in absolute maturation nor physical size appear to directly influence changes in physical activity in adolescent girls.
Keywords
adolescence, girls, physical activity, maturation
Date
2014
Type
Journal article
Journal
Book
Volume
32
Issue
4
Page Range
392-401
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Relation URI
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled
Notes
© 2013 Taylor & Francis