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Abstract

The purpose of this study is to locate which variables are the best predictors of participation in sport. Based on the assumption that many factors interact and decide whether a person is going to be physically active or not, a prediction model is presented. The model include the following predictors: Sex, age, marital status, children, education, occupation, working-hours, physical activity in connect ion with work, the environment's involvement in sport, grade of urbanization, trade area and number of recreational and sport facilities in the neighbourhood. The analysis is based on data from a nationwide survey among the Norwe gian population. Altogether 3,098 individuals, from 15 to 87 years of age, took part in the study.

The statistical analysis used were Multiple Classification Analysis (MCA) and Automatic Interaction Dectection (AID). The prediction model explains 20% of the variance. The strongest predictors were the environment's involvement in sport, geographical area and occupation. The first predictor alone explained al most half of the variance. At the end of the article implication for further re search is discussed. The author suggest that new predictors should replace some of those with low predictive values. Psychological as well as other sociological variables are suggested.

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A Prediction Model For Participation in Sport

Abstract

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