Examining How Physical Activity Patterns Relate To Psychosocial Health Among Children (Ages 4 6 Years) In Canada: National Longitudinal Survey Of Children And Youth (NLSCY) 1996-2008.

Background: Declining rates of total physical activity (PA) among children are disconcerting; however, research on PA and sport participation including potential benefits for psychosocial development is still in the early stages.

Objectives: i) To estimate the prevalence and predictors of organized physical activity (OPA) participation among 46-year-olds across Canada from 1996 to 2008, and ii) to evaluate psychosocial outcomes associated with sport/OPA and unorganized physical activity (UPA).

Methods: Data from 46-year-olds in the 19962008 National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (weighted n= ~5 572 000) were pooled and cross-classified with PA types (inactivity, OPA, UPA, and combined PA).

Results: Over half of 46-year-olds (53.4%) were engaged in OPA. Better psychosocial development was generally seen amongst frequent OPA groups, 5- and 6-year-olds, and those with a higher household income.

Conclusion: Parental involvement and socioeconomic advantage are central to engagement in (and psychosocial benefit from) OPA participation.