ABSTRACT
Biological (growth and maturation) and behavioral development are conditioned by an interaction between genetic and environmental factors, among which physical activity, nutritional intake, diseases, and milieu stresses are of particular importance. This chapter presents evidence supporting the role of physical activity in the growth and development of school-age youth (5-17 years). Speci—cally, we address how physical activity contributes to childhood development with a carryover effect as healthy children become healthy adults. We also address the critical need to promote
Introduction ............................................................................................................ 111 Prevalence of Physical Activity.............................................................................. 112 Psychosocial, Environmental, and Biological Correlates of Physical Activity ..... 113 Overweight and Obesity ........................................................................................ 114
Consequences and Determinants of Overweight and Obesity .......................... 115 Overweight/Obesity and Physical Activity ....................................................... 116 Early Adiposity Rebound .................................................................................. 117 Interaction between Obesity-Related Genes and Physical Activity .................. 118
Metabolic Syndrome .............................................................................................. 118 Bone Health ........................................................................................................... 120 Mental Health ......................................................................................................... 123 Academic Achievement .........................................................................................124 Injuries ...................................................................................................................124 Menstrual Disturbances ......................................................................................... 125 Physical Fitness ...................................................................................................... 126 Tracking of Physical Activity ................................................................................. 127 Interventions to Keep Kids Active ......................................................................... 128 Conclusion ............................................................................................................. 128 Study Questions ..................................................................................................... 129 References .............................................................................................................. 129
physical activity in young people because of the signi—cant percentage of youth who are not suf—ciently active enough to optimize health bene—ts.
