A considerable amount of literature supports an association between physical activity (PA) and health: individuals who are physically active are described as having better health and experience better life satisfaction. Pate et al. identified that less active adolescents reported lower fruit consumption, higher alcohol and marijuana use, cigarette smoking and not wearing seatbelt than more active adolescents. The practice of PA has been identified as a central component of healthy lifestyles. Regular PA participation is important to promote and improve physical and psychological well-being. Studies reported that PA improved bone mineral density, cardiovascular health, aerobic fitness, muscular strength and endurance, and mental health. There is also a significant negative relationship between PA and a careless nutrition, overweight and obesity in adolescence. Additionally, if incorporated at a young age, PA may persist into adulthood, positively influencing the overall health of populations.
However some studies suggest that PA is also associated with health-related risk behaviours, violent behaviour, incidence of injuries, and the use of doping strategies. The fact that PA, especially team sports, are social activities can facilitate a context in which alcohol consumption becomes desirable, e.g. going out with friends to drink after a group physical activity or team sport activity to celebrate the victory or to overcome a defeat, or just to prolong the social event.
Does Physical Activity Promotion Advantages Need the Identification of Associated Health Compromising Features such as Injuries, Alcohol Use and Interpersonal Violence? Highlights from HBSC/ WHO Portuguese Survey
Margarida Gaspar de Matos
Last date updated on June, 2014
