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Physical Activity and Body Image Perception in Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Author

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  • Emanuela Gualdi-Russo

    (Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Natascia Rinaldo

    (Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Luciana Zaccagni

    (Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

Abstract

Adolescence represents a vulnerable phase of life for psychological health. The practice of physical activity (PA) appears to have a positive influence on adolescents, increasing self-esteem and producing a more positive body image. A systematic review of published articles over the past 10 years until June 2022 was conducted according to the PRISMA statement employing the electronic databases MEDLINE and Web of Science (639 records) to summarize the literature on the relationship between body image dissatisfaction (BID) and assessed by figural scales and practice of structured and unstructured PA in adolescents (10–18 years), taking into account BMI and/or weight status. All articles were independently reviewed using inclusion/exclusion criteria, retrieved data, and assessed quality with the adapted Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies. The main finding of interest that emerged from most of the 28 included studies is the negative association between BID and PA during adolescence: as PA increases, BID decreases. However, this updated systematic review also identified some flaws in the existing literature, highlighting the need for high-quality adolescent research using validated figural scales and objective PA assessments. In conclusion, the reviewed studies showed that PA involvement can be efficacious in protecting from body image perception concerns and enhancing body satisfaction. Future interventions should promote structured and unstructured PA during adolescence to improve self-esteem and body image.

Suggested Citation

  • Emanuela Gualdi-Russo & Natascia Rinaldo & Luciana Zaccagni, 2022. "Physical Activity and Body Image Perception in Adolescents: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-28, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:20:p:13190-:d:941184
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Natascia Rinaldo & Stefania Toselli & Emanuela Gualdi-Russo & Meriem Khyatti & Amina Gihbid & Luciana Zaccagni, 2022. "Anthropometric Assessment of General and Central Obesity in Urban Moroccan Women," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-12, June.
    2. An T. Vuong & Hannah K. Jarman & Jo R. Doley & Siân A. McLean, 2021. "Social Media Use and Body Dissatisfaction in Adolescents: The Moderating Role of Thin- and Muscular-Ideal Internalisation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-14, December.
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    5. Emanuela Gualdi-Russo & Natascia Rinaldo & Sabrina Masotti & Barbara Bramanti & Luciana Zaccagni, 2022. "Sex Differences in Body Image Perception and Ideals: Analysis of Possible Determinants," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-13, February.
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    7. William R. Tebar & Fernanda C. S. Gil & Catarina C. Scarabottolo & Jamile S. Codogno & Romulo A. Fernandes & Diego G. D. Christofaro, 2020. "Body size dissatisfaction associated with dietary pattern, overweight, and physical activity in adolescents: A cross‐sectional study," Nursing & Health Sciences, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 22(3), pages 749-757, September.
    8. Raúl Jiménez Boraita & Esther Gargallo Ibort & Josep María Dalmau Torres & Daniel Arriscado Alsina, 2020. "Gender Differences Relating to Lifestyle Habits and Health-Related Quality of Life of Adolescents," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 13(6), pages 1937-1951, December.
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    1. Luciana Zaccagni & Emanuela Gualdi-Russo, 2023. "The Impact of Sports Involvement on Body Image Perception and Ideals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(6), pages 1-20, March.
    2. Gustavo Api & Rosimeide Francisco dos Santos Legnani & Diogo Bertella Foschiera & Filipe Manuel Clemente & Elto Legnani, 2023. "Influence of Cluster Sets on Mechanical and Perceptual Variables in Adolescent Athletes," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-20, February.
    3. Paula Fernández & José Antonio Labra & María Teresa Méndez & Carmen González & Soraya Coballes & Antonio Souto-Gestal, 2023. "The Moderating Effect of Sex and Age on the Pattern of Body Image by Pre-Adolescents and Adolescents and Its Relationship with the Time They Spend Doing Sports," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-20, June.

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