Link between Physical Activity Type in Adolescence and Body Composition in Adulthood

ABSTRACT PURPOSE We investigated whether type of physical activity (PA) (sports, running, fitness/dance) engaged in during adolescence is associated with body composition in late adolescence or early adulthood. METHODS Data were drawn from 631 participants in the Nicotine Dependence in Teens study, a prospective investigation of students ages 12–13 years at inception. Self-report PA data were collected at baseline, in Grade 7, and every 3-4 months thereafter during the 5 years of high school (1999–2005). Anthropometric indicators (height, weight, waist circumference, triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness) were measured at ages 12, 16 and 24 years. Based on prior exploratory factor analysis, PA were categorized into one of three types (sports, running, fitness/dance). Regression models estimated the association between number of years participating in each PA type (0-5 years) during high school and body composition measures in later adolescence or early adulthood. RESULTS In multivariable models accounting for age, sex, and parent education, more years participating in running during adolescence was associated with lower body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and skinfold thickness in later adolescence and early adulthood (all p

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