Sustained involvement in youth sports activities predicts reduced chronic job strain in early midlife.
OBJECTIVE
We examined the long-term effects of youth leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and sports participation on the prevalence of chronic work stress in adulthood.


METHODS
Participants (326 men and 338 women) aged 9 to 18 years were initially enrolled in 1980 and followed until 2007. Data were collected using questionnaires and bicycle ergometry in a subgroup.


RESULTS
High youth LTPA and sports participation predicted lower chronic job strain in both sexes. The association was mediated by type A leadership. Participation and persistence in organized youth sports followed a similar pattern. In the subgroup, adult physical fitness only partly accounted for the association.


CONCLUSIONS
Sustained involvement in youth physical activity and sport lasting at least 3 years is associated with reduced chronic job strain in adulthood. The association was partially explained by type A leadership and physical fitness.
LIKES Research Center for Sport and Health Sciences, Jyväskylä, Finland. xiaolin.yang@likes.fi
X
X
Yang
R
R
Telama
M
M
Hirvensalo
M
M
Hintsanen
T
T
Hintsa
L
L
Pulkki-Råback
K
K
Mansikkaniemi
J S A
JS
Viikari
L
L
Keltikangas-Järvinen
O T
OT
Raitakari
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013177:Sports; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires