Abstract
Few studies have investigated physical activity changes over the transition from primary to secondary school. This study assessed change in physical activity and the psychosocial correlates across 12 months in two cohorts of adolescent girls, who were either in primary school in year 1, moving to secondary school in year 2 (Transition cohort) or an older cohort (Secondary cohort) who remained in early secondary school. Female adolescents (n = 191; 38% response rate) in South Australia self-reported physical activity and psychosocial correlates of physical activity. Changes between baseline and 12-month follow-up were assessed using paired t-tests. Multiple regression modelling identified psychosocial predictors of physical activity change. Physical activity declined in the transition but not the secondary cohort. The decline was most pronounced during school break times. Independent predictors of physical activity change were: change in enjoyment in the transition cohort; and changes in enjoyment, perceived outcomes, and friend encouragement in the secondary cohort. Transitioning from primary to secondary school is a critical period during which physical activity typically declines, particularly among females. Effective physical activity promotion in this vulnerable group will depend on a deeper understanding of the sociocultural, curricular and environmental influences on physical activity that are unique to each school context.
Highlights
Steep declines in physical activity have been reported among children as they transition to adolescence, and females are at particular risk
Each girl was surveyed at two time points (T1 and T2), 12 months apart; 99 girls started in the final year of elementary school at T1 (Transition cohort) with 61 (62%) retained at T2; and 92 started in the first year of secondary school at T1 (Secondary cohort) with 57 (62%) retained at T2
In the Secondary school cohort, ‘Parents play with’ increased, while the presence of bullies in the playground decreased between time points
Summary
Steep declines in physical activity have been reported among children as they transition to adolescence, and females are at particular risk. In addition to a decrease in total physical activity, participation in vigorous physical activity shows a marked decrease, while time spent in screen-based sedentary behaviours increases during adolescence [1,2]. These changes in intensity of activity are concerning as emerging evidence suggests vigorous activity has specific beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease risk [3] and metabolic health [4]. These behaviour changes appear to be most marked when children move from primary (elementary) to secondary levels of schooling [10]
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