Exploring Predictors of Physical Activity Attrition and Maintenance Among Females in Early Adolescence

Primary organisation:	University of South Australia
Funded by:	Channel 7 Children's Research Foundation
Chief investigators:	Dr James Dollman

Project Summary

Regular physical activity brings many physical, social and psychological benefits to children and adolescents. However previous research has shown that physical activity levels decrease substantially among girls as they enter their teenage years. This trend is partly due to changes that occur with puberty, but has also been linked with aspects of teenage 'culture' and the neighbourhood environment. It is important to gain a deeper understanding of these cultural and environmental influences so that programs and policies can be designed to more effectively promote active lifestyles among these young people.