Physical activity in Dublin children aged 7-9 years.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the amount of regular activity and time spent in sedentary occupations in children aged 7--9 years. Sex differences in levels of activity and time and facilities for physical education at school were also examined.


METHODS
A 10% sample of Dublin National Schools were selected. Parents of children in second class were surveyed. The questionnaire used was a modification of the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents. Teachers of second class were questioned about the time and facilities for physical education in schools.


RESULTS
Some 39% of children were participating in hard exercise for at least 20 minutes three or more times a week, with fewer girls (28%) than boys (53%) contributing to this result. A further 57% of children were engaging in at least 20 minutes of light exercise three or more times a week, with no sex differences. Estimated energy expenditure in regular activity was higher in boys than girls. Most (78%) of the children were spending one to three hours a day sedentary in front of a screen.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides comprehensive data on physical activity levels in Dublin schoolchildren aged 7--9 years. The amount of inactivity is of concern. Even at this young age, boys are reported to participate in more physical activity than girls.
Hussey
J
J
Trinity College School of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St James's Hospital, James's Street, Dublin 8, Ireland. jmhussey@tcd.ie
Gormley
J
J
Bell
C
C
D002648:Child; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012574:Schools; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013690:Television / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013997:Time Factors; D018910:Video Games / Q000706:statistics & numerical data