Adolescent's physical activity: Association with socio-economic status and parental participation among a Portuguese sample

Abstract

Although the health effects of physical activity during adolescence have been studied less frequently, physical activity seems to have a positive influence on some health concerns in adolescence. Moreover, few studies have reported consistently the relationship between parents' socio-economic status (SES) and physical activity habits and adolescents' activities. Significant physical activity gender differences were reported (p less than or equal to 0.001). No evidence was found regarding the influence of socio-economic status on adolescents' self-reported physical activity. Mothers (r = 0.23; p less than or equal to 0.0001) and fathers (r = 0.16; p less than or equal to 0.05) seem to have a significant influence on adolescents' physical activity.