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Sex differences in exercise behavior during adolescence: is biological maturation a confounding factor?
Sean P Cumming1, Martyn Standage, Fiona Gillison
1School for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom. S.Cumming@bath.ac.uk
Summary
Adolescent exercise behavior differences between sexes disappear when biological maturity is considered. Biological maturity, not sex, appears to be the key factor influencing physical activity levels in teens.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Exercise Physiology
- Human Biology
Background:
- Observed sex-related differences in adolescent exercise behavior are common.
- The role of biological maturation in these observed differences requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if biological age confounds sex-related differences in adolescent exercise behavior.
- To determine the influence of biological maturity on physical activity levels in adolescents.
Main Methods:
- Assessed biological age and leisure-time exercise activity in 103 males and 83 females (Year 9 students).
- Utilized the Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (LTEQ) to measure exercise behavior.
- Estimated biological maturity status using the percentage of predicted adult height attained.
Main Results:
- Males reported higher engagement in strenuous and total exercise than females.
- Sex differences in exercise behavior became nonsignificant after controlling for biological maturity.
- Biological maturity status significantly influenced reported exercise levels.
Conclusions:
- Sex-related differences in biological maturity contribute to observed sex-related differences in adolescent exercise behavior.
- Biological maturation is a critical factor in understanding adolescent physical activity patterns, potentially explaining sex-based variations.
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