Physical Activity as an Element of Health Life Style among High School Children’s: an Analytical Approach

Abstract

Physical inactivity is one of the most alarming health indicators in the world. Physical activity and fitness levels decline worldwide among children and adolescents. The use of electronic entertainment in Pakistan affects the activity levels of students. Objectives: To compare physical activity levels of urban and rural high school children using analytical study. Methods: A cross-section study was conducted on 200 government high school children (ages 12-16 years) in Rawalpindi city, Pakistan. Data on physical fitness were collected through different physical fitness tests and BMI by measuring height and weight. Physical activity was assessed through physical activity questionnaire (PAQ-A) and a youth physical activity questionnaire (Y-PAQ). Results: Analysis of study in term of different fitness shows that the mean score of pushups was 14.9050±8.91704, and the mean for standing vertical jump was 28.3700±5.35035. The mean of the 30-meter sprint was 4.3667±.34039, and the mean of sit and reach test was 27.7700±4.09401. The mean of the handstand was 3.8600±9.02038. Conclusions: Based on the findings, the researcher concluded that physical activity and physical fitness levels are low in rural and urban high school children. Still, there is no significant difference in physical activity and physical fitness levels between rural and urban high school children. The rural students were better in height and weight, but the BMI rate was higher in urban students.