Sex differences in exercise behavior during adolescence: is biological maturation a confounding factor?
OBJECTIVE
To test the hypothesis that sex-related differences in exercise behavior during adolescence are confounded by biological age.


METHODS
Biological age and leisure-time exercise activity were assessed in 103 male and 83 female British Year 9 students (mean = 14.04 years, SD = 0.31). To assess exercise behavior, participants completed the Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (LTEQ). Percentage of predicted adult height attained at measurement was used as an estimate of biological maturity status. Males reported more frequent engagement in strenuous forms of exercise and total exercise activity than females.


RESULTS
Sex differences in exercise behavior were attenuated and nonsignificant when biological maturity was controlled for.


CONCLUSIONS
Sex-related differences in biological maturity contribute to sex-related differences in exercise behavior during adolescence.
Cumming
Sean P
SP
School for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom. S.Cumming@bath.ac.uk
Standage
Martyn
M
Gillison
Fiona
F
Malina
Robert M
RM
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D041923:Adolescent Development / Q000502:physiology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015986:Confounding Factors, Epidemiologic; D004739:England; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012737:Sex Factors; D012741:Sexual Maturation / Q000502:physiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires