The relationship between physical activity and quality of life in Chinese adolescents: a cross-sectional study

Background Quality of life (QOL) is a multidimensional concept predicting healthy adolescent development. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity (PA) and QOL in Chinese adolescents. Methods The participants were 30,499 adolescents randomly selected from 13 administrative districts in Shandong Province. The Physical Activity Questionnaires for Adolescents and Quality of Life Scale for Children and Adolescents were designed to measure adolescents' physical activity and quality of life. Statistical analyses were performed using the T-test, chi-square test, and multiple linear regression. Using parental sports as the instrumental variable, we examined the relationship between adolescent PA and their QOL. Results The statistical descriptions showed significant gender differences in age, place of residence, physical activity, parental education, smoking, alcohol consumption, and QOL (p < 0.01). Multiple linear regression results suggested that PA was associated with better adolescent QOL and sub-dimensions (p < 0.01). The results of the instrumental variable analysis further supported this conclusion. Among the QOL sub-dimensions, PA had the greatest positive effects on social and psychosocial function, while the magnitude of the effect was the smallest for physical and mental health. Moreover, adolescents with older ages, residence in rural areas, lower parental education, lower socioeconomic status, smoking, and drinking tended to have lower QOL scores. Conclusion PA is an essential predictor of QOL in adolescents. Promoting PA should be a priority for adolescent health interventions, particularly for girls.