Tracking of physical activity and sport from childhood and adolescence to adulthood: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: The transition from children and adolescents to adulthood involves significant lifestyle changes, making it important to understand how physical activity and sports participation remain stable over time to promote lifelong health. This study analyzed the tracking of physical activity from early years to adulthood through both physical activity and sports participation. Methods: Two researchers searched for relevant articles in MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science electronic databases from inception to July 2024. Studies involving individuals aged 6 to 18 years, examining the tracking of physical activity from childhood to adulthood through both physical activity and sports participation, were included. Correlation coefficients (r) and their corresponding standard errors or sample sizes were used to calculate pooled values with a 95% confidence interval (CI) using a random-effects inverse-variance model. Results: The meta-analysis included 38 studies, involving 63,158 participants (mean follow-up: 20.9 years). Results showed low tracking of physical activity from childhood/adolescence to adulthood (r=0.14; 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.16), consistent across sexes and age groups, but higher tracking in young adulthood compared to adulthood (P<0.001). Sports participation showed low tracking (r=0.26; 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.31) with similar patterns across sexes and age groups, but higher tracking in young adulthood compared to adulthood (P=0.03). Follow-up duration moderates these associations, indicating a small but consistent decline in correlation coefficients over time. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for public health initiatives to prioritize promoting physical activity and sports participation among children and adolescents to support long-term health benefits.