Gender and Physical Activity Level, Research Paper Example

The current paper examines and analyzes research in regard to gender and physical activity, as well as personal experience.  Physical education and activity is important in our society, as there are increasing numbers of obesity and diabetes.  Studies have shown that females participate in physical activities significantly less than males, and the activity levels decrease significantly with age.  (Thompson 1684)   The comparison of physical activity and gender was analyzed using two different studies that focused on adolescent aged females and college aged females. In addition, direct experience through adolescent and college years are discussed in regard to the results, explanation and outcome of these studies.

In the paper, “Differences in perceived competence and physical activity levels during single-gender modified basketball game play in middle school physical education”, a physical education environment was manipulated in order to create a physical activity environment of perceived competences during both gender-mixed and single gender game play was conducted for adolescent aged males and females in grades 7-9.  The purpose of the study was to compare the activity level between males and females.  The results of the study showed that the female competence levels were lower than the male subjects.    However, the study did find that female competence levels were higher during single gender play games. (Slingerland 1)  In a different study, “Exploring Physical Activity by Ethnicity and Gender in College Students Using Social Cognitive Theory”, physical activity was analyzed in college students and compared based on ethnicity and gender. The study used the Social Cognitive Theoary (SCT) of both enthnicity and gender in order to compare the results in physical activity. During the study, there were a total of 231 black students, of which 70% were female and 218 white students, of which 28% were female who completed a questionnaire and physical activity assessment. The results of the study showed significant differences in physical activity in regard to ethnicity and gender. In addition, the study found that physical activity increased for females based on the availability of physical activity facilities.  The study therefore suggests that the questionnaire can help explain differences that are observed between male and female physical activity.  (Nehl 11)

As a female, it is a normal growing up and hearing the sayings that boys tend to be much more active than girls.  In reading these articles, it became apparent that differences in gender can shape a person’s level of physical activity that will be important for the rest of their lives.  Growing up, I was faced with the same struggles.  It seemed more important for a male to play sports and continue to play sports throughout high school and college; however, it was always an important part of my life to be involved with activities.  Although these papers bring up great points in regard to gender and physical activity, I feel that the most important factor are the parents.  Each generation is becoming more aware of the availability of sports and activities for girls and women, therefore, I think there will be a change in the levels of activity observed in girls in both adolescence and young adulthood with time.  For instance, I believe that women in sports 30 years ago compared to today is much different.  The first step is implementing these activities in early adolescence and encouraging girls to participate.  I also think the availability of scholarships to college sports for women will also help increase activity level in females.

Overall, both of the articles focused on the same point, differences in physical activity in males and females.  Although the research conducted by Nehl et al. integrated ethnicity as well, the outcome of the study showed gender as an indicator of physical activity. (Nehl 11)  In addition, both studies showed a decrease in physical activity in females.  Females are brought up with the stigma attached that boys are the more active gender; however, parents should encourage their female daughters to participate in sports.  In addition, the education system should implement programs during adolescent years that encourage the participation in activity.  Females becoming physical active as adolescents can help maintain physical activity as a young adult.

Works Cited

Nehl, EJ, Blanchard, CM, Kupperman, J, Sparling, P, Rhodes, R., Torabi, MR, Courneya, KS.

Exploring Physical Activity by Ethnicity and Gender in College Students Using Social Cognitive Theory. 2012. ICHPER-SD Journal of Research, v7 n2 p11-17 Fall-Win.

Slingerland, M, Haerens, L, Cardon, G and Borghouts, L.  Differences in perceived competence  and physical activity levels during single-gender modified basketball game play in middle school physical education. 2013. European Education Review.

Thompson, A., Baxter-Jones, A., Mirwald, RL., Bailey, DA. Comparison of physical activity in male and female children: does maturation matter? 2003.  Med Sci Sports Exerc. 25(10):1684-90.   .http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14523305