PREDICTION OF PHYSICAL-FITNESS AND PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY LEVEL IN ADULTHOOD BY PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE AND PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY IN ADOLESCENCE - AN 18-YEAR FOLLOW-UP-STUDY

The aim of the study was to investigate relationships between physical fitness and self-reported physical activity in adulthood and to what extent the level of physical fitness and leisure-time physical activit y in adulthood can be explained by anthropometric measures, physical p erformance, physical activity, attitudes to sports activities and soci o-demographic characteristics at the age of 16. A group of 157 men and 121 women was tested at the ages of 16 and 34 by means of questionnai res and fitness tests. Physically active men and women had higher esti mated (V) over dot O-2 (max) and performed better in curl ups and benc h press than those who were inactive. Performance in physical tests, h eight, weight and physical activity at the age of 16 contributed best to explain adult physical performance and physical activity. The magni tude of explanation varied between 10% (9-min run test) and 56% (bench press test); it was in general lower in the men than in the women. Th e various fitness tests and physical activity were explained by differ ent predictors and the predictors also differed between men and women. The findings about attitudes to sports and socio-demographic factors at a young age that influence adult physical activity habits and fitne ss are very complex and further research is required to identify speci fic inactivity risks.