Understanding the factors that influence physical activity can aid the design of more effective interventions. Previous reviews of correlates of youth physical activity have produced conflicting results. A comprehensive review of correlates of physical activity was conducted, and results were summarized separately for children (ages 3-12) and adolescents (ages 13-18). The 108 studies evaluated 40 variables for children and 48 variables for adolescents. About 60% of all reported associations with physical activity were statistically significant. Variables that were consistently associated with greater physical activity in children were being male, parental overweight status, physical activity preferences, intention to be active, fewer perceived barriers, previous physical activity, healthy diet, program/facility access, and time spent outdoors. Variables that were consistently associated with adolescents' physical activity were being male, white, and younger; perceived activity competence, intentions, fewer depression symptoms, previous physical activity, community sports, sensation seeking, being less sedentary after school and on weekends, parent support, support from others, sibling physical activity, direct help from parents, and opportunities to exercise. The authors suggest that these consistently related variables should be confirmed in longitudinal studies to determine causality.
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