Contextual determinants of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in adolescents

Abstract Background Physical activity (PA) significantly impacts adolescents’ health and mental wellbeing. However, PA levels in Belgian adolescents are too low, with only 19% reaching the recommendations. In addition to the amount and intensity of PA, understanding the context in which PA is performed and its association with PA levels is essential to help governments design effective interventions. The current study examined the relationship between moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and contextual factors among adolescents in Belgium. Methods MVPA was objectively measured in 473 adolescents aged 10-17 years, as part of the Food Consumption Survey conducted in Belgium in 2022-2023 (i.e., nationally representative cross-sectional data), by accelerometers worn during waking hours for seven consecutive days. Active transportation, sport participation and cycling during leisure time were assessed through the Flemish Physical Activity Questionnaire. Multiple linear regression was used to study the association between MVPA and the use of active transport to school, practice of sport during leisure time, and time in cycling during leisure time. All analyses were adjusted for sex, age, educational level and BMI. Results Adolescents had an average MVPA of 41.7 (±24.8) min/day. MVPA was not associated with active transport to school nor time in cycling during leisure time, but was positively associated with practicing sport during leisure time (β = 10.16, p = 0.006). Additionally, time in MVPA was significantly higher for boys than girls (β = 11.00, p < 0.001). Conclusions Belgian adolescents who practice sport during leisure time spend on average 10 min/day more in MVPA compared to adolescent not practicing sport during leisure time. Additionally, girls spend on average 11 min/day less in MVPA compared to boys. These findings underscore the importance of encouraging adolescents, particularly girls, to participate in sportive activities during leisure time. Key messages • Adolescents who practice sport during leisure time engage in significantly more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. • Girls are less active than boys, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to promote sports participation among girls.