Record Numbers of U.S. Girls Participating in Sports: New Study Highlights Benefits and Problems
Record numbers of U.S. girls are participating in sports, but outside of organized sports, their physical activity levels are declining, especially as they become adolescents. The findings are the result of recent research conducted at the University of Minnesota Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport, and presented in a new report titled Developing Physically Active Girls.
The report reveals that young girls in the U.S. are participating in organized sports more than ever before, and at all levels -- even including Olympic competition. Researchers conducting the study identified numerous benefits attributable to athletic performance among female youth, including the following:
- "Improved health and lower risk of obesity and chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
- Positive development, including social, psychological and motor skill benefits.
- Athletic girls do better academically and have lower dropout rates than non-athletic girls."
Researchers also found that girls face multiple barriers, including stereotypes and gender inequities, when it comes to sports and physical activity. They determined that poverty substantially limits many girls' participation in physical activities and sports involvement, especially among black female youths. Unfortunately, this means that although some girls are physically active, many still fail to meet the minimal standards of physical activity needed to attain developmental and health benefits. Many are completely sedentary.
Among the other problems generally faced by young female athletes, according to researchers:
- "Girls' participation rates in all types of physical activities consistently lag behind those of boys, and girl's dropout rates are higher.
- Girls' athletic experiences are shaped by the quality and expertise of adults who organize and supervise sports. However, many of those adults have minimal, if any, formal training.
- Outdated stereotypes of femininity and masculinity continue to affect girls' participation in physical activity."
Authors of the study note that physical activity should not be an 'add-on,' but rather a core value and principle for healthy and effective living.
Previously on the DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog, we have posted articles related to:
- A recent increase in pediatric gymnastic injuries
- April 2008 is Sports Eye Safety Month
- Evidence that ankle braces prevent volleyball injuries among female college athletes
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