title: Tracking of physical activity from adolescence to adulthood: a population-based study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the association between regular physical activity in adolescence and leisure-time physical activity in adulthood, with emphasis on gender differences.
  
  
  METHODS
  A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Pelotas, Southern Brazil, in 2003. A representative sample of households was selected in multiple stages and subjects aged 20-59 years were interviewed. Leisure-time physical activity was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Data on adolescent physical activity were based on subjects' recall.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 2,577 subjects interviewed, 27.5% were classified as adequately active, and 54.9% reported regular physical activity in adolescence. Subjects who engaged in regular physical activity during adolescence were more likely to be adequately active in adulthood (adjusted prevalence ratio 1.42; 95% CI: 1.23; 1.65). This effect was stronger in women (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.22; 1.86) than men (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.10; 1.67).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Promoting physical activity in school age may be a successful intervention against the epidemic of adult inactivity. Although women were less likely to report regular physical activity in adolescence, the effect of this experience on adult behavior was stronger than in men.
authors.affiliation: Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil. marioazevedojr@terra.com.br
authors.forename: Mario Renato
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Azevedo
authors.forename: Cora Luiza
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Araújo
authors.forename: Marcelo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cozzensa da Silva
authors.forename: Pedro Curi
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Hallal
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001938:Brazil; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013177:Sports / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*