2019, Volume 15
Physical activity in adolescents who prefer and perform martial arts
Michal Kudlacek1, Dorota Groffik2, Karel Fromel1, Wojciech Starsciak3, Jiri Stepan1
1Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
2Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland
3Academy of Physical Education, Wroclaw, Poland
Author for correspondence: Michal Kudlacek; Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic; email: michal.kudlacek[at]upol.cz
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Abstract
Background and Study Aim: Role of physical activities (PA) characterised as martial arts (MA) has been gaining in importance regarding prevalence of physically active lifestyle among adolescents in the context of societal development. The study aim is a knowledge about the associations of MA types preferred and performed with composition of weekly PA in adolescents, taking into account gender differences.
Material and Methods: The sample concerned 1408 boys and 1831 girls aged 15-19 years from Katowice and Wrocław regions (Poland). To assess the rate of preferences and participation in PA, we used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Long Form (IPAQ-LF). The data was collected in 89 schools using the ‘International database for research and educational support’ (Indares) internet program.
Results: Out of MA, boys prefer boxing, kick-boxing (thai-boxing), and karate, while girls prefer boxing, judo and karate. Boys who prefer MA have significantly higher vigorous PA 2337 metabolic equivalent (MET-min) (girls 1665 MET-min) than other boys, who report only 1605 MET-min (girls 1289 MET-min). Boys who are involved in MA throughout the year have higher odds for meeting the weekly vigorous PA recommendation, compared with other boys (odds ratio OR = 1.696, confidence interval CI = 1.175-2.447), p = 0.005).
Conclusions: The present study confirms significant associations between preferring and performing MA and vigorous PA in boys. Adolescents’ involvement in MA throughout the year contributes to achievement of weekly PA recommendation in a similar manner as other types of PA. Further research on the associations between involvement in MA, in comparison with other types of PA, and odds for meeting the PA recommendations is warranted.
Key words: QPAQ, IPAQ-LF, Indares, gender differences