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Age and gender-related physical activity. A descriptive study in children using accelerometry
P Santos1, S Guerra, J C Ribeiro
1Research Center in Physical Activity and Leisure, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
|March 12, 2003
Summary
This study found that most school children meet recommended physical activity levels, with boys being more active than girls. Physical activity increased with age, contrary to expectations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric physical activity.
- Childhood health and wellness.
- Exercise science in youth.
Background:
- Precise measurement of habitual physical activity is crucial for population studies and determining health-influencing activity doses.
- Understanding age and gender differences in physical activity is essential for targeted health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document age- and gender-related physical activity levels in school children.
- To assess habitual physical activity using objective measures in a pediatric sample.
Main Methods:
- 157 children (64 boys, 93 girls) aged 8-15 years participated.
- Objective measurement of daily physical activity using the CSA activity monitor.
- Each student wore the monitor three times during a week.
Main Results:
- Boys engaged in significantly more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) than girls, particularly in the 11-13 year age group.
- MVPA time increased with age in both genders.
- Boys had more periods of continuous physical activity than girls, though not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Most children met minimum recommended physical activity levels, with exceptions in 11-13 year old girls.
- Boys demonstrated higher overall physical activity and MVPA than girls.
- An unexpected increase in MVPA was observed with increasing age.