Adolescent Females, Physical Activity

There are many benefits of physical activity, including positive social development, positive selfesteem, a decrease in risk factors for chronic diseases, and increased endurance, strength, and flexibility. In addition, youth who are physically active are less [Page 20]likely to be overweight (Kimm, Glynn, et al., 2002). Physical activity declines during adolescence, with rates varying by gender and ethnicity. Almost three quarters (72%) of 9th graders participate in vigorous physical activity on a daily basis, whereas the rates are only 55% among 12th graders (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1999). According to the 1997 Youth Risk and Behavior Survey, high school girls are less likely to be vigorously active than boys. In particular, African American girls are less vigorously active than White girls (54% and 67% respectively). Kimm, Glynn, et al. (2002) reported that Black girls are less active than White girls throughout adolescence, and by ages 16 to 17, 56% of Black girls and 31% of White girls report no regular leisure time physical activity (e.g., sports, recreational activities, dance, swimming, basketball, etc.). These high rates of physical inactivity are particularly troubling because patterns of physical activity track into adulthood, suggesting that physically inactive adolescents are likely to become physically inactive adults.