Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of strength training among Japanese elementary school children, and to identify the characteristics of individuals who engage in strength training.
METHODS: This study is a secondary analysis of the SSF National Sports-Life Survey 2012 conducted by the Sasakawa Sports Foundation. In this study, data of elementary school children (n=1,289) were utilized. A logistic-regression analysis was conducted, setting dependent variable as strength training in the past one year and independent variables as school grade, gender, obesity level, educational background of parents, participation in sports clubs, and parental co-participation in exercises and sports.
RESULTS: Totally, 7.4% of children engaged in strength training in past one year. Logistic regression analysis revealed that higher school grade, participation in sports clubs, and parental co-participation in exercises and sports were significantly correlated with strength training in past one year.
DISCUSSION: The majority of Japanese think that strength training is not required lower grade-unlike their thoughts about the correlated factors of physical activity. Also, as with correlated factors of physical activity, participation in sports clubs and parental co-participation in physical activity were key factors for starting strength training for elementary school children.
