title: Correlates of habitual physical activity and organized sports in German primary school children.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The increased prevalence of childhood obesity has also been attributed to low physical activity (PA) levels. Understanding factors affecting child PA levels is especially important considering the benefits PA offers to youth.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study therefore examined different correlates affecting habitual PA and sports participation in primary school children.
  
  
  METHODS
  Height and weight were measured during a school visit in 1714 children (7.1 ± .6 years). PA and behavioural correlates were assessed by parental questionnaire. The effect of various correlates on PA as well as participation in organized sports was assessed using logistic regression analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant correlates of PA and sports participation were engagement in sporting activities outside of clubs and children's weight status. Playing outdoors for more than 60 min/day was significant for PA, having well educated parents and being male. Participation in sports was influenced by children's media consumption, active travel to school and having active parents. No influence was found for migration, income, parental weight status and health consciousness.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In this study, a multiplicity of independent correlates of PA and sports participation, which require a broad approach to promote an active lifestyle, have been considered. Understanding these factors might support the development of effective health-promoting interventions.
authors.affiliation: Ulm University, Division Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, Ulm, Germany. Electronic address: susanne.kobel@uni-ulm.de.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kobel
authors.affiliation: Ulm University, Division Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, Ulm, Germany.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kettner
authors.affiliation: Ulm University, Division Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, Ulm, Germany.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kesztyüs
authors.affiliation: Ulm University, Division Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, Ulm, Germany.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Erkelenz
authors.affiliation: Ulm University, Division Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, Ulm, Germany.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Drenowatz
authors.affiliation: Ulm University, Division Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, Ulm, Germany.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Steinacker
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006184:Habits; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D012574:Schools; D013177:Sports / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Active lifestyle; Health promotion; Sports participation