Abstract
PurposeAdolescents' physical activity levels during school break time are low and understanding correlates of physical activity and sedentary time in this context is important. This study investigated cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between a range of individual, behavioural, social and policy/organisational correlates and objectively measured school break time physical activity and sedentary time.MethodsIn 2006, 146 adolescents (50% males; mean age = 14.1±0.6 years) completed a questionnaire and wore an accelerometer for ≥3 school days. Time spent engaged in sedentary, light (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during school break times (recess and lunchtime) were calculated using existing cut-points. Measures were repeated in 2008 among 111 adolescents. Multilevel models examined cross-sectional and longitudinal associations.ResultsBringing in equipment was cross-sectionally associated with 3.2% more MVPA during break times. Females engaged in 5.1% more sedentary time than males, whilst older adolescents engaged in less MVPA than younger adolescents. Few longitudinal associations were observed. Adolescents who brought sports equipment to school engaged in 7.2% less LPA during break times two years later compared to those who did not bring equipment to school.ConclusionThese data suggest that providing equipment and reducing restrictions on bringing in sports equipment to school may promote physical activity during school recess. Strategies targeting females' and older adolescents', in particular, are warranted.
Highlights
Regular physical activity during adolescence is important for physical and mental health [1,2]
One opportunity for adolescents to engage in physically active behaviours is through school break times, which is a mandatory part of the school day in many countries [8]
Sample Compared to those who participated at baseline (T1) only, a higher proportion of adolescents who participated at follow-up were of higher socio-economic status (SES) (46% vs. 19%) based on maternal education
Summary
Regular physical activity during adolescence is important for physical and mental health [1,2]. Guidelines for physical activity recommend that youth should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity every day [3,4,5], yet in Australia only 25% of males and 13% of females aged 14–16 years meet these recommendations [6] This is concerning as physical activity levels tend to decline further across adolescence [7]. Of the research conducted in this context, 41.5% of males and 32.6% of female’s self-report daily participation in physical activity during break time [9], though decreasing levels of physical activity have been reported across school grades [10] and over time [11] Despite these decreases, school break times have still been found to contribute up to 23% of adolescents’ daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [11]. This highlights the potential for break time interventions to increase physical activity levels in this context, but to benefit daily physical activity levels
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