Sex-Specific Physical Activity and Weight Status in German Schoolchildren: Interim Results from the Hand on Heart Study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: physical activity (PA) in children offers lifelong benefits, yet nearly four in five children are insufficiently active. We examined sex-specific differences in sport participation by sport type and its association with weight status.

METHODS

in the ongoing hand-on-heart-study ("Hand-aufs-Herz"), comprehensive data on sociodemographic profiles, PA, and anthropometry were collected from 922 school-aged children, adolescents, and young adults (8-20 years) in Germany. Sex-specific differences in sport participation, sport types, and weight status were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models.

RESULTS

based on the eligibility criteria for analysis (ages 8-18 years), 883 pupils were included (mean age 13.1 ± 2.4 years), 406 (46%) were females. Compared to females, males had a 43% higher chance of being members of a sports club and were more likely to spend more days/week on sports (44-85%). Males participated more in football, martial arts, and basketball while females favored gymnastics and volleyball. As age increased, males had a 30% higher likelihood of not being sports club members (females: 13%). Overweight/obese males had twice the risk of lacking sports memberships. The largest body mass index (BMI) difference was found in males and females participating in athletics, with -4.64 kg/m (males) and -1.99 kg/m (females) compared to their counterparts without club memberships.

CONCLUSIONS

in conclusion, sports participation should be encouraged especially among females and overweight/obese males. Targeted strategies should focus on promoting inclusive and non-competitive activities that cater to their interests.