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Assessing children's physical activity behaviors at recess: a multi-method approach
Pedro F Saint-Maurice1, Gregory J Welk, Pedro Silva
1Dept. of Kinesiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
Pediatric Exercise Science
|November 24, 2011
Summary
Boys engaged in more physical activity (PA) during recess than girls. Higher activity levels were observed during climbing/sliding and in supervised, equipped settings, suggesting context influences gender differences in youth PA.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Exercise Science
- Behavioral Health
- Childhood Obesity Prevention
Background:
- Understanding youth physical activity (PA) is crucial for promoting healthy lifestyles.
- Identifying influential settings and behavioral characteristics is key to effective PA interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a multi-method approach combining accelerometers and direct observation for assessing youth PA during recess.
- To understand the settings and characteristics that influence PA in school-aged children.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Actigraph accelerometers and the System for Observing Play and Leisure Activities (SOPLAY) for data collection.
- Monitored 100 third through fifth graders over five days in Fall and Spring.
- Collected objective PA data and contextual observational data simultaneously.
Main Results:
- Boys exhibited higher overall PA levels compared to girls, as indicated by both accelerometers and SOPLAY.
- Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was highest during climbing/sliding activities (40-50%).
- Supervised and equipped activity settings were associated with higher PA levels (30%).
Conclusions:
- A combined accelerometer and observational approach effectively captures youth PA during recess.
- Environmental context, such as activity type and supervision, plays a significant role in PA levels and may mediate gender differences.
- Findings inform strategies for designing environments that promote greater PA in children.
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