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Gender differences in barriers to physical activity among adolescents
Martina Rosselli1, Elena Ermini1, Benedetta Tosi1
1Department of Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, School of Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
Summary
Girls face more barriers to physical activity than boys, including lack of energy and willpower. Addressing these barriers is crucial for promoting adolescent physical activity and meeting World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Exercise Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Girls are less physically active than boys.
- Understanding barriers to physical activity in adolescents is critical.
- Effective policies are needed to promote physical activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess gender differences in perceived barriers to physical activity.
- To examine the relationship between barriers, physical activity levels, and physical condition in adolescents.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 368 high school students in Florence, Italy.
- Measurements included anthropometrics, blood pressure, and standardized questionnaires.
- Multivariate logistic regression analyzed gender differences and determinants of physical activity compliance.
Main Results:
- Girls had lower physical activity levels than boys (OR 0.27).
- Girls reported more barriers to physical activity (OR 1.52), citing lack of energy and willpower.
- Female gender and reporting barriers (score ≥ 5) independently predicted non-compliance with WHO physical activity criteria.
Conclusions:
- Exercise professionals must recognize and address barriers faced by girls in exercise prescription.
- Individualized strategies are needed to overcome these barriers.
- Targeted interventions can improve physical activity levels in adolescent girls.
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