Abstract
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1980-0037.2017v19n2p164 The aim of this study was to verify the association between the characteristics of the school structure and the physical activity of students in the physical education class and school recess. This is an association study with quantitative approach. The random sample is composed of 176 schoolchildren (71 boys and 105 girls) from 10 schools of the city of Passo Fundo-RS, Brazil. Physical activity was evaluated with a pedometer, after which the average number of steps in the physical education class and school recess was calculated. The characteristics of the school structure were evaluated by direct observation, with the audit tool in the school. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test and generalized linear regression. The mean number of steps among boys was higher when compared to girls in the physical education class (t=3.478, p<0.001, d cohen=0.62) and in the school recess (t=2.537, p<0.01; d cohen=0.45). The number of steps in physical education class was not associated with the characteristics of the school structure. In the school recess, an inverse association was found, where boys enrolled in schools with regular quality structure performed on average 208.04 (95%CI=16.44/399.65; p=0.03) steps when compared to boys enrolled in schools with good quality structure. Schools that have bigger and/or better structure do not necessarily influence adolescents in the practice of physical activity in school recess and physical education classes.
Highlights
The importance of physical activity (PA) for health and well-being is very widespread today[1]
Considering that it is necessary to increase the levels of PA of adolescents and that school structures and facilities can influence the practice of PA, both in the physical education classes and in other moments, the aim of this study was to identify the association between the characteristics of school structure and physical activity of schoolchildren in physical education classes and school recess
In the physical education class and school recess, it was found that the level of PA of boys was higher in relation to girls
Summary
The importance of physical activity (PA) for health and well-being is very widespread today[1]. This prevalence is high and worrying; it is necessary to recognize that there are many intervening factors for the inclusion of PA as part of the adolescents’ lifestyle[3,4] These influences can be identified through the ecological framework for active lifestyle proposed by Sallis et al.[4], where there is a focus on factors that include the individual, the social environment, the physical environment and public policies. Sallis et al.[4] stated that the aforementioned factors are the main assumptions to be considered for the development of interventions that favor active behavior Among these factors, the environment stands out, since it can be determinant for the practice of PA due to the strong relation with daily life[6]. This can be achieved through well-organized physical education classes with active recesses and structures that favor the development of such interventions[10,11,12]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Brazilian Journal of Kinanthropometry and Human Performance
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
