Physical activity and sport participation in adolescence. Health implications related to musculoskeletal pain, mental health and obesity. The HUNT Study

Abstract

Musculoskeletal pain and mental health problems commonly occur and are leading causes of disability among adolescents. A rising trend in obesity, particularly in the transition into adulthood, is another growing public health concern. Increasing adolescents’ physical activity (PA) level seems to be a promising approach to mitigating the prevalence and burden of these health challenges, but there is still a lack of evidence, particularly regarding the potential role of sport participation. The overall objective of this thesis was to study the relationship between adolescent PA, including different types of sport participation, and musculoskeletal pain and mental health problems. Further, to evaluate the potential impact of adolescent PA, and co-existing musculoskeletal pain and mental health problems, on obesity in young adulthood. Data were obtained from a large population-based cohort study in Norway, the Health Survey of Nord-Trøndelag (The HUNT study). A moderate level of physical activity was associated with reduced odds of neck and shoulder pain (NSP) and low back pain (LBP). Associations between participation in sports and musculoskeletal pain differed between the types of sport performed, as well as pain localization. A high level of PA was favourably associated with mental health, especially for older adolescents (≥16 years of age). The results showed that participation in team sports may be particularly beneficial to mental health. The probability of obesity in young adulthood was higher across combinations of lower levels of PA and occurrence of musculoskeletal pain in adolescence. Prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal pain may therefore be of importance in obesity prevention. The findings from this study point to PA benefits for both musculoskeletal and mental health, as well as lower probability of future obesity, underscoring the need for efforts to increase PA and to prevent the large dropout from sports activities during adolescence.