Objectives: Several important research questions have been addressed: (1) What are the cross-sectional
associations between sports club participation, objectively measured physical activity, and adiposity?
(2) Do measures of physical activity and adiposity predict subsequent sports club participation? (3)
Does sports club participation predict subsequent measures of physical activity and adiposity? and (4)
Do changes in sports club participation predict changes in objective measures of physical activity and
adiposity?
Design: Longitudinal and cross-sectional.
Methods: Data from the Gateshead Millennium Study birth cohort (n = 609 at age 7 years) were analysed
for associations between adiposity, sports club participation and accelerometer-measured physical
activity from ages 7y to 9y to 12y.
Results: Seventy-two per cent of 9 year olds and 63% of 12 year olds took part in a sports club. Sports club
participation was significantly associated with overall accelerometer-measured physical activity at 12y
(coefficient = 0.0.09; 95% CI: 0.01–0.16) but not 9y. An inverse relationship between fat mass (estimated
from bioelectric impedance) and sport club participation, and between fat mass and accelerometermeasured
physical activity was observed at 12y, but not 9y. Sports club participation at 9y was highly
predictive of participation at 12y. Sports club participation was significantly associated with socioeconomic
status; fewer children from poorer areas took part.
Conclusions: Sports club participation in adolescence may be associated with decreased levels of adiposity.
Furthermore, the potential benefits of sports club participation for adiposity are likely generated from
continuous participation in sports, rather than any long-term protective effects.
© 2014 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd.