Physical fitness, physical activity, sedentary behavior and psychological predictors in Chilean adolescents: Differences by gender

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the levels of physical fitness, physical activity, sedentary behavior and psychological predictors of physical activity among male and female Chilean adolescents. A total of 70 male and 56 female Chilean adolescents (aged 13.00 ± 1.00 years old) were assessed for physical fitness (body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness), habitual physical activity and sedentary behavior (GT3X accelerometer) and psychological predictors of physical activity (motivation toward exercise, barriers toward exercise and intention to be physically active) (cross-sectional design). The Mann-Whitney U test results showed that male adolescents had statistically significant more favorable levels of body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity, self-determined motivation toward exercise, barriers toward exercise and intention to be physically active than women (p ≤ .05). The different programs conducive to creating healthy habits among young people should keep in mind the differences between male and female adolescents.