What does ALSPAC data tell us about the relationship between physical activity, alcohol consumption and psychosocial health in adolescents?

The study aim was to investigate the connection between early to mid-adolescent alcohol consumption and physical activity. Two models of association were identified, from a critical review of 30 studies on European adolescents aged between 11-17 years. However, inferences were restricted by study heterogeneity and widespread use of measures of short duration. The model developed for cross-sectional analyses, using data from a cohort of 10,380 adolescents aged 13-14, 15-16, and 17 years, suggested that engaging in structured physical activity on a regular basis, or meeting physical activity guideline levels i.e., an average of 60 minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, were negatively associated with ever-intoxication, higher frequency of intoxication, or consuming alcohol prior to age 14. Using k-Means clustering analysis, three psychosocial profiles were generated for each age-group and entered into the regression models as a factor, with PA added as a covariate. Compared to those undertaking an average of <30 minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity - or those achieving an average of >60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity - undertaking an average of 30-59 minutes of MVPA per day, and having higher-risk psychosocial profiles, were significantly associated with being at risk of alcohol-related harm (RARH) at age 13-14 and age 15-16. Club membership-type and frequency of attending club were not statistically significant. However, while those with sports club-membership only had a higher risk of alcohol-related harm, attending club > once a week was negatively associated with risk of alcohol-related harm. Further adolescent longitudinal studies using repeated measures, and more extensive PA measures, are needed to test the robustness of this association. This study has found a potential explanation for why physical activity can lead to higher RARH. Additionally, it suggests that a PA intervention, with an emphasis on psychosocial support and health education, has the potential to support adolescents to engage in more physical activity, reduce or abstain from alcohol; and ultimately improve sense of wellbeing.