Physical, anthropometric, and behavioral profile of adolescent male action sport athletes

Abstract

Currently over 1/3 of adolescents are not completing the recommendations for physical activity and participation on high school sports teams is becoming increasingly competitive and therefore, limited. Little is known about adolescent children who are physically active through means other than school sports including recreational sports. This study explores the anthropometrics, physical abilities, physical activity levels, and personality characteristics of male adolescent action sport athletes in comparison to two age-matched samples: traditional sport athletes and sedentary peers. This study included thirteen males (n=6 action sport athletes, n=5 traditional sport athletes, and n=2 sedentary males) who completed underwater weighing, VO2max, vertical jump, sit and reach tests and also completed an Action Sports Athletes Survey. Action sport athletes demonstrated similar physical performance scores as compared to traditional sport athletes, met the recommendations for physical activity, and reported the highest tendencies towards engaging in risky behaviors. These findings suggest that action sport athletes achieve beneficial amounts of physical activity but may have distinct personality traits that deter them from structured physical activity. Considering the importance of physical activity in adolescence, more research is needed to establish whether facilities like skate-parks and ski areas are safe and constructive locations that will engage adolescent males, who may not be interested in school activities, in healthy behaviors.