Investigating the Protective Effect of Physical Activity on Health among Adolescents

Abstract

The physiological and psychological benefits of physical activity are well documented, but the majority of adolescents still do not exercise the appropriate amount and intensity. The aim of the research was to assess the physical activity of secondary school students and to understand its effect on subjective general health, vitality and mental health. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents aged 15-19 attending a full-time secondary school in Western Transdanubia, Hungary. Our paper-based questionnaire included self-reported questions on physical activity in addition to socio-demographic variables, while our standardised instrument measured dimensions of subjective health (health thermometer - EuroQol scale, EQ VAS, Health Survey Short Form SF-36 Questionnaire) and Sense of Coherence (SOC 13). The 448 evaluable responses were analysed using SPSS Statistics 22 software with correlation analysis, linear regression analysis, t-test and ANOVA test. The amount of physical activity was adequate for 22.2% of the respondents and nearly adequate for 29%, while the quality of physical activity was adequate for 64.1% of the sample. Regular physical activity had a positive effect on self-reported health perception (p<0.05). The mean scores for mental health, vitality and general health perception were significantly higher among students who were adequately or nearly adequately physically active (p<0.05). A positive, moderately strong correlation was found between sense of coherence and frequency of physical activity (p<0.05). Regression analysis confirmed that sense of coherence played a role in changes of the regularity of physical activity, with a linear stochastic correlation between the variables (R2 = 0.142 p<0.05). In contrast, the means of the self-reported health indicators and sense of coherence were almost identical between the groups (p>0.05). Based on results, sense of coherence plays a role in the change of the regularity of physical activity, and a linear stochastic relationship between the variables were also verified.