Keep Kids Moving

Many parents struggle with keeping their teens active amid the constant lure of computers, phones, video games and technology. Less than 25 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 15 are reaching the World Health Organization's guidelines for physical activity. For this age group, the guideline is 60 minutes of moderate activity per day. Researchers in Iowa were interested in determining the impact families and friends of teens have on their physical activity levels.

The results of this recent longitudinal study, which included over 300 teens in the mid-western U.S., were published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity and included data collected over a five-year span. Accelerometer recordings of Moderate and Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) and psychosocial surveys of family and friend support of physical activity were documented when the teens were 13, 15 and 17 years of age.

This is one of the first studies to track adolescent psychosocial support combined with recorded physical activity. While both family and friend support was predictive of higher rates of MVPA within this five-year span, the effect decreased as they matured. Additionally, family and friend physical activity support measures when participants were 13 years of age were significantly predictive of support recorded at 17 years of age. 

Bottom Line: Encouraging physical activity at a young age is important as it may become more difficult to engage teens as they mature. Encourage them to be active in any way that interests them. Organized sports are not the only way to get moving; try other recreational activities such as hiking, gardening or swimming. Get involved as a family and have kids bring a friend along too! Teach kids the value of enjoying fun, active pursuits with friends and family; it will benefit them as they move toward becoming independent, healthy adults!

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