Decline of physical activity from youth to young adulthood in Finland

Purpose: As a part of a nation-level research program, Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns, the aim of this study was to analyze age-related decline of physical activity among Finnish young people. Methods: The number of subje cts at the beginning of the study in 1980 was 2309, representing both gende rs and ages 9, 12, 15, and 18. The follow-up measurements were repeated in 1983, 1986, and 1989. Thus, the data cover ages from 9 to 27. To measure ph ysical activity, a short self-report questionnaire was administrated in con nection with medical examination. The questionnaire consisted of items conc erning frequency and intensity of physical activity, way of spending leisur e-time, and participation in organized sports. Using five items an index of physical activity was calculated. Results: The results showed a remarkable decline after the age of 12 in frequency of physical activity and sport pa rticipation, in particular. The self-reported intensity of physical activit y increased with age. Ln younger age groups, the boys were more active than girls according to all variables, but the decline of activity was steeper among male than female subjects, and after the age of 15 the female subject s participated in physical activity more frequently than male subjects. Con clusion: Reasons for the decline need to be further studied, and interventi ons are needed to assist young people in maintaining healthful levels of ph ysical activity.