Social epidemiology of sports and extracurricular activities in early adolescents

Background This study examines the social epidemiology of sports and extracurricular activities in early adolescents (9–14 years) using a diverse national U.S. sample. Methods We examined data from baseline (2016–2018, ages 9–10) to Year 3 follow-up (2019–2021) of the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study ( N = 11,270). Multivariable linear regression models with standardized betas estimated adjusted cross-sectional associations between sociodemographic factors (age, biological sex, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, household income, parental education) and physical activity (metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-hours(h)/week) through sports and extracurricular activities at baseline and Year 3. Results Average MET-h/week decreased from 15.5 (±18.7) in Year 1 follow-up to 13.0 (±19.1) in Year 3 follow-up. Female sex, gay/bisexual sexual orientation, lower household income, and lower parental education were associated with lower MET-h/week at baseline. Male adolescents were more likely to play soccer and baseball/softball; female adolescents were more likely to play a musical instrument and participate in swimming/water polo and ballet/dance. Among the most common sports and extracurricular activities, lower parental income and education were associated with lower participation. Conclusion This study of early adolescents identified sociodemographic differences in sports and extracurricular activities that can inform targeted interventions to reduce these disparities. Impact This study examines the trends and social epidemiology of sports and extracurricular activities in early adolescents using a demographically diverse national U.S. sample. Average early adolescent physical activity decreased across three years of follow-up. Soccer, musical instruments, swimming/water polo, baseball/softball, and ballet/dance were the most common activities at baseline. Female sex, gay/bisexual sexual orientation, lower household income, and lower parental education were associated with lower weekly physical activity at baseline.