Physical activity during recess among 13–14 year old Mexican girls

Catalina Medina,Ian Janssen,Simon Barquera,Peter T Katzmarzyk

doi:10.1186/s12887-015-0329-4

Abstract

BackgroundPhysical activity patterns during recess have been poorly described among adolescents. Physical activity levels could be captured the most accurately using a combination of instruments. The purposes of this study were to describe the physical activity patterns during school recess in a sample of 13–14 year old Mexican girls, to examine differences in these patters as assessed using three physical activity measurement instruments and to understand the influence of body weight status on the observed associations.MethodsThe study population included seventy-two female adolescents from a private school in Mexico City. Three different instruments were used to monitor physical activity patterns during the recess break including an accelerometer, direct observation (SOFIT instrument), and a physical activity recall. Descriptive analyses were used to characterize physical activity patterns, and one-way ANOVA was used to examine differences across physical activity instruments.ResultsBased on the accelerometer data, more than 90% of the recess period was spent at a light or sedentary intensity. Based on SOFIT and recall, the two most frequent activities were standing and walking. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the three instruments for time spent in all physical activity intensities.ConclusionThe large amount of time spent in light and sedentary intensity activities during recess indicates the necessity to intervene upon this opportunity for adolescents to engage in more vigorous forms of physical activity.

Highlights

Physical activity patterns during recess have been poorly described among adolescents
There is a dearth of information about physical activity levels during the recess period in adolescents
The available research indicates that physical activity levels during recess are lower in older than in younger youths, in girls [10,11,12,13]

Summary

Introduction

Physical activity patterns during recess have been poorly described among adolescents. The purposes of this study were to describe the physical activity patterns during school recess in a sample of 13–14 year old Mexican girls, to examine differences in these patters as assessed using three physical activity measurement instruments and to understand the influence of body weight status on the observed associations. Regular physical activity during childhood and adolescence is associated with a lower risk of obesity, insulin resistance, mental health problems, and improved academic performance [1,2]. The available research indicates that physical activity levels during recess are lower in older than in younger youths, in girls [10,11,12,13]. Levels of physical activity can be affected by the social context [14] and support [12], physical activity environment [12], and local school

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