Examination of physical activity in adolescents over the school year.
This study monitored the physical activity behavior of adolescent students over a ten month school year. Physical activity was assessed at two month intervals using self-report and objective (Actical accelerometers) measures. Self-report results (n = 547) indicated a decline in physical activity throughout the school year for all grades and genders. The decline was attributed largely to a decrease in organized activity participation. Objective physical activity results (n = 40) revealed a significant decline in activity in the latter half of the school year (February to June). Declining physical activity was attributed to a decrease in vigorous activity which was consistent across grade and gender. Collectively, the results highlight the importance of promoting consistent opportunities for adolescents to be active throughout the school year.
School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada.
Mark W
MW
Bruner
Karen E
KE
Chad
Jodie A
JA
Beattie-Flath
M Louise
ML
Humbert
Tanya C
TC
Verrall
Lan
L
Vu
Nazeem
N
Muhajarine
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D000367:Age Factors; D002170:Canada; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D012621:Seasons; D012737:Sex Factors; D013334:Students