In-school and out-of-school physical activity in primary and secondary school children

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare in-school and out-of-school physical activity within a representative sample. Socio-demographic, physical activity, and anthropometric data were collected from a random sample of children (250 boys, 253 girls) aged 3-16 years attending nine primary and two secondary schools. Actigraph GT1M accelerometers, worn for seven days, were used to estimate physical activity levels for in-school (typically 09.00-15.00 h), out-of-school (weekday), and weekend periods. Physical activity as accelerometer counts per minute were lower in school versus out of school overall (in school: 437.2 +/- 172.9; out of school: 575.5 +/- 202.8; P < 0.001), especially in secondary school pupils (secondary: 321.6 +/- 127.5; primary: 579.2 +/- 216.3; P < 0.001). Minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity accumulated in school accounted for 29.4 +/- 9.8% of total weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity overall but varied by sector (preschool: 37.4 +/- 6.2%; primary: 33.6 +/- 8.1%; secondary: 23.0 +/- 9.3%; F = 114.3, P < 0.001). Approximately half of the children with the lowest in-school activity compensated out of school during the week (47.4%) and about one-third at the weekend (30.0%). Overall, physical activity during the school day appears to be lower than that out of school, especially in secondary school children, who accumulate a lower proportion of their total weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at school than younger children. As low in-school activity was compensated for beyond the school setting by less than half of children, promoting physical activity within the school day is important, especially in secondary schools.

Leisure Time Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior and Substance Use Among In-School Adolescents in Eight African Countries

“…This study excluded and the HBSC survey included school activities such as school sports in the physical activity assessment. Since, overall, physical activity during the school day appears to be lower than that out of school [17], African children seem still to be less physically active than Euro-North American children. This study found cross-national variations in the prevalence of frequent leisure time physical activity, Ugandan and Kenyan school children were most frequently physically active (17.7% and 16.0%, respectively) and Zambian and Senegalese school children the least (9.0% and 10.9%, respectively).…”

Physical activity patterns in French youth—From childhood to adolescence—Monitored with high‐frequency accelerometry

“…Gidlow et al (2008) reported that PA levels during the school day appeared to be lower than when out of school, especially for secondary school children, who accumulated a lower proportion of their total weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at school than younger children. In our study, the in-and out-of school PA levels were not separated.…”

“…Schools provide a unique opportunity to help children and adolescents to accumulate physical activity within the school day to benefit their health (Cale and Harris, 2006). Several studies have found that children are more active during school days (Falgairette et al, 1996;Gavarry et al, 1998Gavarry et al, , 2003Rowlands et al, 2008;Sleap and Warburton, 1996) while others reported higher PA levels during free days (Duncan et al, 2006;Gidlow et al, 2008;Pate et al, 1994;Trost et al, 2000) or no difference according to the day of the week (Gilbey and Gilbey, 1995;Salo and Silla, 1997;Taylor et al, 2009). These discrepancies may be due to differences in time spent at school or in time organization at school between countries.…”

Contribution of free play towards physical activity guidelines for New Zealand primary school children aged 7–9 years

“…As children spend a large period of their day at school, it would seem schools could be a vital link in the promotion of physical activity and the prevention of overweight and obesity 10 14 15. Schools reach almost every child, including those who are most at risk, for a large period of their lives 1 16.…”