title: Quantifying physical activity in first-through fourth-grade physical education via pedometry.
abstract: The aim of this study was to determine pedometry steps per minute (SPM) cutscores that accurately quantify physical activity (PA) time in first- through fourth-grade physical education. A total of 257 participants were grouped in two data pools, first- and second-grade (n = 126), and third- and fourth-grade (n = 131). Systematic observation was the PA criterion instrument and pedometry was the predictor instrument. Correlations between physical activity measures were strong (r = .82-.89, p < .01). Ten min of PA and 33.33% of the lesson time engaged in PA within a 30-min class can be quantified by 61-63 SPM for first- and second-grade, and 58-61 SPM for third- and fourth-grade. IN CONCOLUSION: (a) SPM values were a valid indicator of students achieving or not achieving PA criteria, and (b) pedometry is a valid and practical tool for physical activity surveillance within physical education.
authors.affiliation: Kinesiology Department, The University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA. pwscruggs@education.wisc.edu
authors.forename: Philip W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Scruggs
authors.forename: Sandy K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Beveridge
authors.forename: Doris L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Watson
authors.forename: Brian D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Clocksin
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D005082:Physical Exertion; D014481:United States; D016138:Walking / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*