The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #66453

Richard Lowry, MD, MS, Charlene R. Burgeson, MA, and Laura Kann, PhD. Division of Adolescent and School Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, MS K-33, Atlanta, GA 30341, (770) 488-6176, rxl1@cdc.gov

The percentage of adolescents who are overweight has tripled during the past 20 years, and many adolescents are including exercise in their weight control efforts. Although physical activity is an essential element of efforts to promote healthy weight, exercise and sports activities can result in injury. This study analyzed data from the 2001 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a representative sample of 13,601 high school students in the United States. We used logistic regression to examine the independent effects of participation in vigorous activity, moderate activity, strengthening exercises, physical education (PE) classes, and team sports on the likelihood of injury requiring treatment by a doctor or nurse, among adolescents who were exercising to lose weight or keep from gaining weight. We controlled for race/ethnicity, grade in school, and body mass index (BMI). Approximately 68.4% of females and 51.0% of males reported they were exercising to control their weight. Among these adolescents, 16.6% of females and 20.0% of males were injured in the previous 30 days. Among females, injury was associated with participation in vigorous activity ³6 days/wk, strengthening exercises ³1 days/wk, and team sports. Among males, injury was associated with participation in strengthening exercises ³5 days/wk, and team sports. Injury was not associated with participation in moderate activity, PE classes, or BMI. Among adolescents exercising for weight control, injury was associated with participation in team sports and high frequencies of strengthening exercises and vigorous activity (females). Females may need additional instruction in strength training to avoid injury even at low frequencies.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:
• Describe the types and frequencies of physical activity associated with injury among adolescents exercising for weight control.
• Discuss the limitations and implications of these findings on efforts to promote healthy weight through physical activity among adolescents.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.