Achieving the Recommended Levels of Physical Activity and Sleep among American Adolescent Athletes.

Abstract Background. Few adolescents are getting sufficient levels of physical activity and sleep despite the well understood health benefits of achieving sufficient levels of both, concurrently. This may be related to the limited understanding on the utility of programs to concurrently improve physical activity and sleep in adolescent populations. This study aimed to determine whether sports participation was associated with achieving the recommended levels of sleep and physical activity among a representative sample of American adolescents. Methods. Participants included a representative sample (n=58,008) of American adolescents who self-reported sport-participation (0, 1, 2, 3 or more teams yearly), and recommended levels of physical activity (at least 60-minutes per day of moderate or vigorous intensity physical activity [MVPA], and at least 3-days per week of muscle-strengthening activities [MSA]) and sleep (≤12-13 years: 9 to 10+ hours; 14-17 years: 8-10+ hours; ≥18 years: 7-9 hours). Multivariable logistic regressions were used to estimate the relative odds of meeting the physical activity (MVPA and MSA) and sleep recommendations (independently and in combinations) in sex stratum among those participating in sports versus non-participation. Results. Overall, 49.2% (95%CI: 47.1%-51.4%) of males and 38.6% (95%CI: 37.3%-40.0%) of females report not participating in any sport. Sport-participation differed by sex, age, ethnicity (Hispanic), and weight status. Those who play 1-sport team had higher odds (females: OR=1.95 [95% CI=1.59-2.40]; males: OR=2.20 [1.91-2.52] of concurrently achieving recommendations for sleep and physical activity (MVPA and MSA) compared to those playing no sports teams, after adjustment. Measures of effect were larger for more sports teams played, indicating a possible dose-response relation. Conclusions. Among this representative sample of American adolescents, sports participation was consistently associated with a healthier physical activity and sleep profile. Practitioners should consider encouraging sports participation to adolescents when possible, particularly among females, racial/ethnic minorities, and those with concerns about getting adequate sleep and/or physical activity.