Comparison of 4th Graders' Physical Activity Intensities in Various School Physical Activity Settings
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2016
Description
Objective: Our objective was to measure fourth grade elementary students' levels of physical activity (PA) during school hours in multiple settings/activities. Methods: Fourth grade students' PA levels were measured in physical education (PE) classes, playground free play, and playground-based cross-curricular instruction using accelerometers, pedometers, and SOFIT observation methods. Results: PE provided the highest levels of moderate-to-vigorous PA (accelerometers [F(2, 32) = 7.84, p < .01], pedometers [F(2, 198) = 49.6, p < .01], and the SOFIT observational method [F(2, 121) = 22.37, p < .01]). Conclusions: Whereas PE yielded the highest levels of PA, it fell short of the recommended daily guidelines. Free play and cross-curricular activity may supplement PE to reach the overall daily PA guideline levels.
Citation Information
Dotterweich, Andy R.; Greene, Amy E.; Davis, Jason T.; Lhotsky, Gary; and Walker, Joseph T.. 2016. Comparison of 4th Graders' Physical Activity Intensities in Various School Physical Activity Settings. Health Behavior & Policy Review. Vol.3(2). 136-143. https://doi.org/10.14485/HBPR.3.2.5 ISSN: 2326-4403