Factors associated with team sport participation in South African children

Abstract

The study purpose was to determine if sex, anthropometry, age or birth period are associated with team sport participation in children aged 9-11 years. Data from the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment were used (n=550, 59% girls). Anthropometric measurements included height, body mass, waist circumference, mid-upper arm circumference and body fat percentage. Birth period and team sport participation were measured using a questionnaire. Girls had a 69% lower odds (OR=0.31, 0.19-0.49, p<0.001, n=528) of participating in team sport. For every centimetre of waist circumference, the OR for participating in team sport was 0.94 (0.88-1.00, p<0.05, n=528).