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Association between Club Sports Participation and Physical Fitness across 6- to 14-Year-Old Austrian Youth

Author

Listed:
  • Clemens Drenowatz

    (Division of Physical Education, University of Education Upper Austria, 4020 Linz, Austria)

  • Klaus Greier

    (Division of Physical Education, Private University of Education (KPH-ES), 6422 Stams, Austria
    Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria)

  • Gerhard Ruedl

    (Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria)

  • Martin Kopp

    (Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria)

Abstract

Changes in social and built environments most likely contribute to a decline in physical activity (PA) and physical fitness in children and adolescents. Organized sports may be an important component in ensuring adequate fitness, which is an important aspect in general health and well-being. The present study examines differences by club sports participation in cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, power, speed, agility, flexibility and balance in 3293 (55.1% male) Austrian children and adolescents between 6 and 14 years of age. Anthropometric measurements (height and weight) were taken and participants completed the German motor test during regular class time. Even though there was no significant difference in body weight between club sports participants and non-club sports participants, club sports participation was associated with higher physical fitness, particularly regarding endurance, strength, power, and agility. Differences by club sports participation, however, declined during the elementary school years (6–10 years of age), while they became more pronounced during middle school years (10–14 years of age). Club sports participation, therefore, may be a viable option in the promotion of physical fitness, particularly during adolescence. At younger ages, other sources of PA, such as physical education and free play, however, should be considered to ensure sufficient fitness levels that contribute to a healthy and active lifestyle.

Suggested Citation

  • Clemens Drenowatz & Klaus Greier & Gerhard Ruedl & Martin Kopp, 2019. "Association between Club Sports Participation and Physical Fitness across 6- to 14-Year-Old Austrian Youth," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-11, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:18:p:3392-:d:266888
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lovro Štefan & Marjeta Mišigoj-Duraković & Antonela Devrnja & Hrvoje Podnar & Vilko Petrić & Maroje Sorić, 2018. "Tracking of Physical Activity, Sport Participation, and Sedentary Behaviors over Four Years of High School," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-13, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Elvar S. Saevarsson & Vaka Rognvaldsdottir & Runa Stefansdottir & Erlingur Johannsson, 2021. "Organized Sport Participation, Physical Activity, Sleep and Screen Time in 16-Year-Old Adolescents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-10, March.
    2. Clemens Drenowatz & Gerson Ferrari & Klaus Greier, 2021. "Changes in Physical Fitness during Summer Months and the School Year in Austrian Elementary School Children—A 4-Year Longitudinal Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-10, June.
    3. Fernando Galindo-Perdomo & Carmen Peiró-Velert & Alexandra Valencia-Peris, 2021. "Do Adolescents Who Meet Physical Activity Recommendations on Weekdays Also Meet Them on Weekends? A Cross-Sectional Study in Colombia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-12, January.
    4. Kirkke Reisberg & Eva-Maria Riso & Jaak Jürimäe, 2021. "Physical Activity, Fitness, and Cognitive Performance of Estonian First-Grade Schoolchildren According Their MVPA Level in Kindergarten: A Longitudinal Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-14, July.

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