Table 3

Tracking of physical characteristics, fitness and physical activity levels between age 15y and young adulthood (mean age 22.0y)

Males
 Females

n
 κ
 P
 n
 κ
 P
Weight (kg)
 245
 0.337
 <0.0001
 231
 0.540
 <0.0001
Height (m)
 245
 0.444
 <0.0001
 231
 0.813
 <0.0001
Body mass index (kgm-2)
 245
 0.422
 <0.0001
 231
 0.452
 <0.0001
Biceps skinfold (mm)
 244
 0.224
 <0.0001
 230
 0.403
 <0.0001
Triceps skinfold (mm)
 244
 0.292
 <0.0001
 230
 0.287
 <0.0001
Subscapular skinfold (mm)
 244
 0.274
 <0.0001
 230
 0.371
 <0.0001
Suprailiac skinfold (mm)
 244
 0.223
 <0.0001
 230
 0.202
 <0.0001
Sum of skinfolds (mm)
 244
 0.216
 <0.0001
 230
 0.357
 <0.0001
VO2maxa
 222
 0.150
 <0.0001
 209
 0.076
 0.128
Physical activity scoreb
 240
 0.202
 <0.0001
 225
 0.021
 0.669

a VO2max at age 15y was derived from the number of 20 metre shuttle run laps completed by each subject. At follow-up, VO2max was extrapolated from the results of a cycle ergometer test (Physical Work Capacity at a heart rate of 170 bpm; PWC170).

b Physical activity scores at age 15y were calculated according to the method of Riddoch et al (1991). At follow-up, a modification (Pereira et al, 1997) of the Baecke questionnaire was used.

κ indicates extent of tracking, and can be interpreted as follows: κ < 0.20, poor tracking; κ 0.21–0.40, fair; κ 0.41–0.60, moderate; κ 0.61–0.8, good; κ 0.81–1.0, very good (Altman, 1991).

Boreham et al. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 2004 1:14   doi:10.1186/1479-5868-1-14