Sustained Involvement in Youth Sports Activities Predicts Reduced Chronic Job Strain in Early Midlife

: Yang X, Telama R, Hirvensalo M, Hintsanen M, Hintsa T, Pulkki-Raback L, Mansikkaniemi K, Viikari JSA, Keltikangas-Jarvinen L, Raitakari OT

Publisher: LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS

: 2010

: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

: JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE

: J OCCUP ENVIRON MED

: 12

: 52

: 12

: 1154

: 1159

: 6

: 1076-2752

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0b013e3181fe68bf

Objective: We examined the long-term effects of youth leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and sports participation on the prevalence of chronic work stress in adulthood. Methods: Participants (326 men and 338 women) aged 9 to 18 years were initially enrolled in 1980 and followed until 2007. Data were collected using questionnaires and bicycle ergometry in a subgroup. Results: High youth LTPA and sports participation predicted lower chronic job strain in both sexes. The association was mediated by type A leadership. Participation and persistence in organized youth sports followed a similar pattern. In the subgroup, adult physical fitness only partly accounted for the association. Conclusions: Sustained involvement in youth physical activity and sport lasting at least 3 years is associated with reduced chronic job strain in adulthood. The association was partially explained by type A leadership and physical fitness.