Journal article
Leisure-Time Physical Activity in Elementary Schools: Analysis of Contextual Conditions
The Journal of school health, Vol.80(10), pp.470-477
10/01/2010
DOI: 10.1111/j.1746-1561.2010.00530.x
PMCID: PMC3217268
PMID: 20840656
Abstract
METHODS: We conducted SOPLAY (System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity in Youth) observations before school, during recess, and at lunchtime in 137 targeted activity areas in 13 elementary schools over 18 months. During observations, each child was coded as Sedentary, Walking, or Vigorous, and simultaneous entries were made for area characteristics (accessibility, usability, presence of supervision, loose equipment, and organized activities). Logistic regression analysis was used to test associations between PA and area characteristics.
RESULTS: Assessors made 2349 area visits and observed 36,995 children. Boys had more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA; 66.2 vs 60.0%, p < .001) and more vigorous PA (29.8 vs 24.6%; p < .001) than girls. Areas were typically accessible and usable, but provided organized activities infrequently (16.5%). Odds of engaging in MVPA were greater during lunch and recess than before school and in areas with play equipment (p < .05).
CONCLUSIONS: Children accrued a substantial amount of voluntary PA during leisure time at school. Their PA would likely be increased if school playground equipment was more readily available and if supervisors were taught to provide active games and promote PA rather than suppress it.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Leisure-Time Physical Activity in Elementary Schools: Analysis of Contextual Conditions
- Creators
- Thomas L. McKenzie - San Diego State UniversityNoe C. Crespo - San Diego State UniversityBarbara Baquero - San Diego State UniversityJohn P. Elder - San Diego State University
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- The Journal of school health, Vol.80(10), pp.470-477
- DOI
- 10.1111/j.1746-1561.2010.00530.x
- PMID
- 20840656
- PMCID
- PMC3217268
- NLM abbreviation
- J Sch Health
- ISSN
- 0022-4391
- eISSN
- 1746-1561
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Number of pages
- 8
- Grant note
- T32HL079891 / NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, AND BLOOD INSTITUTE; United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA; NIH National Heart Lung & Blood Institute (NHLBI) F31 DK079345-03; F31 DK079345 / NIDDK NIH HHS; United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA; NIH National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) F31DK079345 / NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DIABETES AND DIGESTIVE AND KIDNEY DISEASES; United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA; NIH National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) T32 HL079891-03; T32 HL079891 / NHLBI NIH HHS; United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA; NIH National Heart Lung & Blood Institute (NHLBI)
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 10/01/2010
- Academic Unit
- Community and Behavioral Health
- Record Identifier
- 9984363660702771
Metrics
3 Record Views