Physical activity opportunity in K-12 public school settings: Nevada.
OBJECTIVE
We examined the status of physical activity opportunity in Nevada K-12 public schools. The focus was on determining both prevalence and nature of existing programs as well as school administrators-perceived barriers to offering physical activity programs.


METHODS
A 15 item questionnaire was used to assess prevalence and nature of programs as well as perceived barriers.


RESULTS
Nevada school-age children do not have regular access to physical education. Excluding physical education, more than 30% of schools do not provide physical activity programming. Most existing programs are competitive sport related. In addition, as students matriculate through school, fewer program options and opportunities to participate throughout the school day are available. Lack of funds was the most frequently reported perceived barrier to offering physical activity programs.


CONCLUSIONS
Opportunities to be physically active over the course of the school day are limited and as a result, hinder important national objectives for health-related outcomes.
Lounsbery
Monica
M
University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154-3031, USA.
Bungum
Tim
T
Smith
Nicole
N
D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity; D009505:Nevada; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000458:organization & administration; D012574:Schools / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013177:Sports