Self-Reported Change in Physical Activity and Screen Time in 4th Graders Shows Gender, Seasonal and Weight Status Differences Even in Absence of an Intervention Effect

Abstract

Examine changes in student self-reported mild (MPA), moderate (MoPA), and strenuous (SPA) physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) as part of the Fuel for Fun (FFF) intervention. Two cohorts were enrolled in a controlled study with measures at baseline (BL, beginning of school year), follow-up-1 (FU1, end of school year), and follow-up-2 (FU2, beginning of following school year). Cohort one (C1, n=288) served as control; cohort two (C2, n=278) participated in FFF, an elementary school-based nutrition and PA education program including SPARK active recess targeting 4th graders. PA and ST were measured with an adapted version of the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. 2x3 repeated measure ANOVA’s considered the effect of gender, baseline weight status (overweight/obese; healthy weight), and cohort. Cohorts did not differ in baseline PA, ST or weight status. All PA levels were significantly lower at BL than FU1 and FU2 (MPA BL 130±146, FU1 163±159, FU2 175±165; MoPA BL 156±139, FU1 189±145, FU2 183±147; SPA BL 229±141, 246±140, 234±137 minutes/week; all P<.05) with no significant differences between FU1 and FU2. Patterns of change did not differ between cohorts. Overweight/obese students reported significantly higher levels of ST than healthy weight students (3.4±3.1, 3.4±2.8, 2.5±2.3 vs. 2.5±2.4, 2.7±2.3, 2.5±2.1 hours/week; p<.001). Males reported significantly higher levels of SPA (247±147, 269±140, 248±136 vs 210±135, 224±137, 220±136 minutes/week; p<.01). A non-significant decrease in ST was noted for overweight/obese in c2, but not in c1. Findings demonstrated seasonal, weight, and gender differences in PA and ST. Further analyses to investigate subjects that responded to the FFF intervention are warranted.