Associations between extracurricular activity participation and health-related variables in underrepresented children

BACKGROUND: Children from underrepresented populations exhibit low levels of physical activity (PA), diet quality, and health-related quality of life (QoL), but participation in extracurricular activities may positively impact these health outcomes. PURPOSE: To examine differences in PA, dietary behavior, and QoL in underrepresented children by extracurricular activity dose (0, 1, ≥2) and type (sports, dance/martial arts, art/music). METHODS: Children (N = 754; Grades 4–6) completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children, KidsScreen-27 (QoL), and the School Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey and self-reported extracurricular activity participation. One-way MANOVA tests were used in this analysis. RESULTS: Individuals participating in 1 and ≥ 2 activities (p < 0.001), sport/dance/martial arts (p < 0.001), and art/music (p = 0.029) had higher PA than non-participants. Those participating in ≥2 activities reported higher fruit intake compared to 1 activity and non-participants (p = 0.009; p < 0.001, respectively). Participants with ≥2 activities reported higher parent- and peer-related QoL compared to non-participants (p = 0.001; p = 0.025, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Extracurricular activity participation was positively associated with health behaviors in underrepresented children. Schools may be encouraged to allocate some of their resources to extracurricular activity programing.