Changes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among older adolescents

Abstract

Objectives: Examined patterns and determinants of objectively measured moderate-tovigorous physical activity (MVPA) over 4 years in US emerging adults. METHODS: Waves 1 through 4 (W1 [10th grade] to W4 data of a national cohort starting in 2010 (N = 561; 16.19 ± 0.51 years) were used. MVPA was assessed annually from accelerometers; BMI calculated from measured height/weight; and surveys ascertained self-reported physical activity (PA) planning, peer PA, family support, W1 sociodemographics, W4 school status, W4 residence, and W4 employment. Latent growth modeling estimated trajectories in log-transformed duration (minutes/day) of MVPA and associations with covariates. RESULTS: Less than 9% of participants met the recommended 60+ minutes/day MVPA across W1 through W4. W1 MVPA was greater in males versus females (B = 0.46, P