Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study explored gender differences in perceived barriers to physical activity across adolescence and their impact on sport participation. METHODS: A 3-year longitudinal survey followed Spanish secondary school students (n = 180) into their first year of university (2012-2014). Data were collected on sociodemographic variables, perceived barriers to physical activity, and sport participation. Gender differences and effect sizes were assessed using Odds Ratios (ORs) and Cohen's D. RESULTS: In high school, sport participation was 45 % for girls and 68 % for boys, decreasing to 12 % and 10 % respectively at university. Barriers to physical activity were reported by 59 % of students in high school and 63 % at university, more frequently by girls (OR = 3.66 in high school; OR = 3.15 at university). Among those who never perceived barriers, sport participation was close to 80 %. When barriers emerged only at university, participation dropped to 29 %. Sport participation was consistently lower in girls across all scenarios. The most common barriers were lack of time and too much homework, while cost-related barriers became more prominent at university. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding how physical activity barriers change by gender during the transition to university is key to designing effective interventions. For girls, early prevention is essential. University-emerging barriers strongly reduce sport involvement regardless of gender.