Moderate-to-vigorous Physical Activity Engagement Research Articles

Comparison Of Children’s Recess And After-school Physical Activity

PURPOSE: To examine children’s moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), and sedentary behavior (SB) during morning and lunchtime recess and after-school on different school days (physical education [PE] day vs. exergaming day) and across different weight status. METHODS: One-hundred forty 2nd and 3rd graders (X[Combining Overline]age = 8.14 years) from a public school took part in the study. Children engaged in 125 minutes of structured weekly PA, with 25-min. exergaming alternating PE daily. Children also had a 20-min. morning recess and a 30-minute lunch recess daily. Fourteen hours (8:00am-10:00pm) were designated as children’s school day time, with 400 minutes (3:20–10:00pm) classified as the after-school segment. Data was collected for 3 PE days and 3 exergaming days. Actigraph accelerometers were used to track MVPA, LPA, and SB during all school and after-school activities. Further, students were classified into three weight groups according to CDC BMI Growth charts: healthy; risk of overweight; and overweight. RESULTS: A significant main effect for day (PE or exergaming) (Wilk’s λ=0.58; p<0.01) but not weight (Wilk’s λ=0.93; p=0.15) was seen in regards to PA levels. Specifically, LPA was found to be higher during exergaming classes while MVPA was higher during PE classes. Regarding PA differences during morning recess and lunchtime recess, significant main effects were observed for day (Wilk’s λ=0.93; p=0.02) and weight (Wilk’s λ=0.90; p=0.03) during morning recess; and a significant main effect was seen for day during lunchtime recess (Wilk’s λ=0.94; p=0.04). Finally, a significant main effect for weight (Wilk’s λ=0.87; p=0.004) but not day (Wilk’s λ=0.97; p=0.19) was observed for children’s after-school PA. Engagement in LPA and MVPA was generally higher during both recess periods and after-school segment on exergaming days. CONCLUSIONS: Findings revealed a general trend wherein healthy and risk of overweight children engaged in more LPA and MVPA and less SB than overweight children during recess and after-school. Moreover, exergaming days appeared to stimulate greater amounts of LPA and MVPA during recess and after-school compared to PE days. Future PA interventions may concentrate the greatest amount of attention on overweight children-perhaps utilizing exergaming to do so.

Pride and physical activity: Behavioural regulations as a motivational mechanism?

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between fitness-related pride and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). A secondary aim was to examine behavioural regulations consistent with organismic integration theory (OIT) as potential mechanisms of the pride-MVPA relationship.Design: This study used a cross-sectional design.Methods: Young adults (N = 465; Mage = 20.55; SDage = 1.75 years) completed self-report instruments of fitness-related pride, motivation and MVPA.Results: Both authentic and hubristic fitness-related pride demonstrated a moderate positive relationship with MVPA, as well as positive associations to more autonomous regulations. Behavioural regulations mediated the relationship between both facets of pride and MVPA with specific indirect effects noted for identified regulation and intrinsic motivation.Conclusion: Overall, these findings demonstrate the association between experiencing fitness-related pride and increased engagement in MVPA. The tenability of OIT was also demonstrated for offering insight into explaining the association between pride and physical activity engagement.

Using Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict the Physical Activity of Children: Probing Gender Differences.

Objectives. The primary objective of this study was to use the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to examine the association between TPB variables and the moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of children in Shanghai, China. Gender differences were also explored. Methods. The participants were 353 children (180 boys and 173 girls) aged 9 to 13 years from three primary schools in Shanghai. Accelerometers were used to measure the MVPA duration of the children. Questionnaires that focused on attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) related to MVPA engagement were completed by the participants. Results. Regression analyses revealed that intention, and not PBC, accounted for 9% of the variance in MVPA. Meanwhile, attitude and PBC explained 33% of the variance in intentions to engage in MVPA. In terms of gender differences, TPB performed better in the physical activity (PA) domain for boys than for girls. Furthermore, attitude and PBC were significantly associated with intention among boys, whereas only PBC was significantly related to intention among girls. Conclusion. Practitioners should consider tailoring intervention to address gender differences to increase leisure-time PA participation of children.

Geospatial Relationships between Awareness and Utilization of Community Exercise Resources and Physical Activity Levels in Older Adults.

Introduction. It is unclear if community-based fitness resources (CBFR) translate to heightened activity levels within neighboring areas. The purpose of this study was to determine whether awareness and utilization of fitness resources and physical activity differed depending on residential distance from CBFR. Methods. Four hundred and seventeen older adults (72.9 ± 7.7 years) were randomly recruited from three spatial tiers (≤1.6, >1.6 to ≤3.2, and >3.2 to 8.0 km) surrounding seven senior centers, which housed CBFR. Participants completed questionnaires on health history, CBFR, and physical activity, gathering data on CBFR awareness, utilization, and barriers, overall levels, and predictors to engagement in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Results. Across spatial tiers, there were no differences in positive awareness rates of CBFR or CBFR utilization. Engagement in MVPA differed across spatial tiers (P < 0.001), with the >3.2 to 8.0 km radius having the highest mean energy expenditure. Across all sites, age and income level (P < 0.05) were significant predictors of low and high amounts of MVPA, respectively, and current health status and lack of interest represented barriers to CBFR utilization (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Closer proximity to CBFR did not impact awareness or utilization rates and had an inverse relationship with physical activity.

Daily movement patterns and biological markers among adults in the United States

ObjectiveTo examine the combined effects of sedentary (SED), light (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on biological markers among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. MethodsData from the 2003–2006 NHANES study was used, with 5580 adults (≥20years) included in the study. Participants wore an ActiGraph 7164 accelerometer with accelerometry data used to create four movement pattern groups: ≥150min/week of MVPA and LPA≥SED; ≥150min/week of MVPA and LPA<SED; <150min/week of MVPA but LPA≥SED; and <150min/week of MVPA and LPA<SED. Blood samples were taken to assess various biological parameters (e.g., cholesterol). Results47.2% (SE: 1.2) of Americans engaged in <150min/week of MVPA and had a negative LPA–SED balance. In general, participants who engaged in ≥150min/week of MVPA, regardless of LPA–SED balance, had more favorable biological levels; however, there was evidence showing that even if individuals engaged in <150min/week of MVPA, but if their LPA exceeded SED, they had more favorable levels of triglycerides and insulin. ConclusionsPrograms are needed to increase American's engagement in MVPA, and also ensure that LPA exceeds SED behavior.

An exploratory study of associations of physical activity with mental health and work engagement

BackgroundPrevious studies have found moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) to be associated with a decreased risk of mental disorders. Although the focus in the field of psychology has shifted towards human strengths and optimal functioning, studies examining associations between MVPA and mental health in general (MH) and between MVPA and well-being are scarce. An indicator of work-related well-being is work engagement (WE). The aim of this study was to explore the associations between MVPA and MH, and between MVPA and WE.MethodsIn this study, a total of 257 employees from two research institutes, self-reported their MVPA, MH and level of WE. In addition, a randomly chosen subgroup (n=100) wore an Actigraph accelerometer for a 1-week period to measure their MVPA objectively. Crude and adjusted associations between MVPA and both WE and MH were analyzed using linear regression analyses.ResultsThere was no statistically significant association between self-reported MVPA and mental health, resulting from both the crude (b=0.058, 95% CI -0.118 - 0.235) and adjusted analyses (b=0.026; 95% CI -0.158- 0.210), nor between objectively measured MVPA and mental health for both crude and adjusted analyses (b=-0.144; 95% CI -1.315- 1.027; b=-0.199; 95% CI 1.417- 1.018 respectively). There was also no significant association between self-reported MVPA and work engagement (crude: b=0.005; 95% CI -0.005-0.016, adjusted: b= 0.002; 95% CI -0.010- 0.013), nor between objectively measured MVPA and work engagement (crude: b= 0.012; 95% CI -0.084- 0.060, adjusted: b=0.007; 95% CI -0.083-0.069).ConclusionsAlthough the beneficial effects of MVPA on the negative side of MH (i.e. mental disorders) have been established in previous studies, this study found no evidence for the beneficial effects of MVPA on positive side of MH (i.e. well-being). The possible difference in how the physical activity-mental health relationship works for negative and positive sides of MH should be considered in future studies.

SenseWear-Determined Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior and Metabolic Syndrome

The aim of this study was to examine the associations of multiple, objectively measured parameters of physical activity and sedentary behavior with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its individual components. Physical activity was measured in 370 Flemish adults (age = 41.7 ± 9.8 yr; mean ± SD) for 7 d using a SenseWear Armband. MetS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. Logistic regressions examined the associations between the subcomponents of physical activity and sedentary behavior and the odds of having MetS or individual risk factors. MetS was observed in 10.2% of men and 5.2% of women. Adults who spent ≥60 min·d-1 in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were 68%-81% less likely to have abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and low HDL cholesterol compared with those with <30 min·d MVPA, independent of sex, age, education, smoking, alcohol consumption, and total sedentary time. The total sedentary time and the average duration of a sedentary bout were positively associated with MetS and most of its individual risk factors (odds ratio [OR] = 1.07-1.47). Breaks in sedentary time were inversely associated with abdominal obesity (OR = 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.55-0.91) and hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.63-0.99). These associations were no longer significant after adjustment for MVPA (and total sedentary time). Light physical activity was not associated with MetS or any of the individual risk factors. Time spent in moderate, vigorous, total MVPA, and bouts of MVPA were associated with a reduced likelihood of abdominal obesity (OR = <0.01-0.48), hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 0.14-0.63), and low HDL cholesterol (OR = 0.02-0.43), independent of potential confounders and total sedentary time. Engagement in MVPA may be essential to prevent MetS and individual risk factors.

Associations of physical activity and sedentary time with weight and weight status among 10‐ to 12‐year‐old boys and girls in Europe: a cluster analysis within the ENERGY project

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) plays an important role in childhood overweight prevention. Sedentary time appears to be independently associated with overweight, but most research has been done in adults. The objective of this study were to identify subgroups of children based on their MVPA and sedentary time, and explore differences in body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and overweight prevalence between among these subgroups. A sample of 766 10- to 12-year-old children (52.9% girls, 11.6 ± 0.8 years) were recruited from Hungary (n = 158), Belgium (n = 111), the Netherlands (n = 113), Greece (n = 169) and Switzerland (n = 215). Children wore an accelerometer to measure MVPA and sedentary time. Cluster analysis revealed four clusters in both gender groups showing an unhealthy pattern (low MVPA/high sedentary time), a healthy pattern (high MVPA/low sedentary time), a low mixed pattern (low MVPA/low sedentary time) and a moderate to high mixed pattern (moderate to high MVPA/moderate sedentary time). In girls, the high MVPA/low sedentary time cluster had a significantly lower BMI (P ≤ 0.05), a lower waist circumference (P ≤ 0.01) and the lowest percentage of overweight (P ≤ 0.10) compared with the other three clusters. In boys, both clusters with higher activity levels had a significantly lower BMI (P ≤ 0.001) and waist circumference (P ≤ 0.001) than the two low activity clusters, independent of sedentary time. Engagement in more MVPA and less sedentary time is associated with a more favourable weight status among 10- to 12-year-old girls. Among boys, MVPA seems most important for weight status, while sedentary time appears to be less relevant.

Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and physical self-perceptions in adolescent girls: A mediation analysis

ObjectiveFew studies have examined the relationship between sedentary behaviour (SB) and mental well-being. This study assessed whether SB is associated with physical self-perceptions, independent of participation in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Previous studies in this area simultaneously entered measures of SB and MVPA as predictors in regression models. In a novel approach, this study used mediation analyses to avoid problems of collinearity between SB and MVPA. DesignCross-sectional. SettingSchool-based. MethodAdolescent females (N = 238) used validated instruments to self-report time spent in SB and MVPA on the previous day, and to provide ratings for physical self-perceptions. Where a self-perception variable was associated with SB, Baron and Kenny's method was used to test if the relationship was mediated by MVPA. ResultsThere were small direct associations between SB and two self-perceptions, which were not mediated by MVPA: ‘sports competence’ (−.022) and ‘physical conditioning’ (−.023). There was also a negative association between SB and perceived ‘physical strength’, which, by contrast, was mediated by MVPA. ConclusionResults for selected self-perceptions indicate that SB may be important to aspects of mental well-being independent of MVPA engagement. Future studies should use longitudinal and prospective designs to (a) assess the causality and direction of associations between SB and self-perceptions; (b) explore how individual SBs relate to self-perceptions; and (c) establish if the magnitude of these associations is clinically relevant.

Students’ Objectively Measured Physical Activity Levels and Engagement as a Function of Between-Class and Between-Student Differences in Motivation Toward Physical Education

Despite evidence for the utility of self-determination theory in physical education, few studies used objective indicators of physical activity and mapped out between-class, relative to between-student, differences in physical activity. This study investigated whether moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and rated collective engagement in physical education were associated with autonomous motivation, controlled motivation, and amotivation at the between-class and between-student levels. Participants were 739 pupils (46.3% boys, Mage = 14.36 ±1.94) from 46 secondary school classes in Flanders (Belgium). Multilevel analyses indicated that 37% and 63% of the variance in MVPA was explained by between-student and between-class differences, respectively. Students' personal autonomous motivation related positively to MVPA. Average autonomous class motivation was positively related to between-class variation in MVPA and collective engagement. Average controlled class motivation and average class amotivation were negatively associated with collective engagement. The findings are discussed in light of self-determination theory's emphasis on quality of motivation.

Predicting Objectively Assessed Physical Activity From the Content and Regulation of Exercise Goals: Evidence for a Mediational Model

Grounded in self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000), the purpose of this work was to examine effects of the content and motivation of adults' exercise goals on objectively assessed moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). After reporting the content and motivation of their exercise goals, 101 adult participants (Mage = 38.79 years; SD = 11.5) wore an ActiGraph (GT1M) accelerometer for seven days. Accelerometer data were analyzed to provide estimates of engagement in MVPA and bouts of physical activity. Goal content did not directly predict behavioral engagement; however, mediation analysis revealed that goal content predicted behavior via autonomous exercise motivation. Specifically, intrinsic versus extrinsic goals for exercise had a positive indirect effect on average daily MVPA, average daily MVPA accumulated in 10-min bouts and the number of days on which participants performed 30 or more minutes of MVPA through autonomous motivation. These results support a motivational sequence in which intrinsic versus extrinsic exercise goals influence physical activity behavior because such goals are associated with more autonomous forms of exercise motivation.

School Time Physical Activity of Students with and without Autism Spectrum Disorders during PE and Recess

This study compared moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and students without disabilities during inclusive physical education and recess. Students (7-12 years) wore a uniaxial accelerometer in school for 5 consecutive school days. Results indicated a significant difference between settings, F(1,46) = 15.94, p < .01, partial eta2 = 0.26, observed power = 0.97. Students with and without ASD spent a higher proportion of time in MVPA during physical education than during recess, relative to the amount of time spent in those settings. In addition, structured physical education offers opportunities to increase students' MVPA engagement.

Are Preschool Children Active Enough? Objectively Measured Physical Activity Levels

The present study aimed to describe accelerometer-based physical activity levels in 4- and 5-year-old children (N = 76) on 2 weekdays and 2 weekend days. The children were sedentary for 9.6 hr (85%) daily, while they engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for 34 min (5%). Only 7% of the children engaged in MVPA for 60 min per day, and only 26% reached the standard of 120 min of total activity. Their engagement in MVPA did not significantly differ between weekend and weekdays. Mean activity counts and minutes in MVPA did not differ between genders. Physical activity levels in this sample of preschool children were far lower than recommended.

Differences in School-Day Patterns of Daily Physical Activity in Girls According to Level of Physical Activity

The purpose of this study was to examine whether there are differences in physical activity (PA) during specific periods of the day among active and less-active girls. The sample comprised 54 girls age 10 to 15 years. PA was assessed by accelerometry. Girls were grouped as less active, active, and highly active. Total minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was significantly higher in more-active girls than in their less-active peers (113 and 72 min/d, respectively). The most-active groups were significantly more engaged in MVPA during the outside-of-school period than were less-active girls. Highly active girls spent a significantly higher amount of their MVPA time outside of school than did the less-active group, which spent a significantly higher proportion of MVPA time during late afternoon. Outside-of-school PA is a key point for MVPA engagement. Particularly for the less-active girls, however, schools might provide additional PA.

Physical Activity Levels of Normal‐weight and Overweight Girls and Boys During Primary School Recess

This study aimed to compare moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and vigorous physical activity (VPA) in normal-weight and overweight boys and girls during school recess. Four hundred twenty children, age 6 to 10 years, were randomly selected from 25 schools in England. Three hundred seventy-seven children completed the study. BMI was calculated from height and weight measurements, and heart rate reserve thresholds of 50% and 75% reflected children's engagement in MVPA and VPA, respectively. There was a significant main effect for sex and a significant interaction between BMI category and sex for the percent of recess time spent in MVPA and VPA. Normal-weight girls were the least active group, compared with overweight boys and girls who were equally active. Fifty-one boys and 24 girls of normal weight achieved the 40% threshold; of these, 30 boys and 10 girls exceeded 50% of recess time in MVPA. Eighteen overweight boys and 22 overweight girls exceeded the 40% threshold, whereas 8 boys and 8 girls exceeded the 50% threshold. Overweight boys were significantly less active than their normal-weight male counterparts; this difference did not hold true for girls. Even though nearly double the number of normal-weight children achieved the 40% of MVPA during recess compared with overweight children, physical activity promotion in school playgrounds needs to be targeted not only at overweight but at other health parameters, as 40 overweight children met the 40% MVPA target proposed for recess.

Comparison of Pedometer and Accelerometer Measures of Physical Activity in Preschool Children

In this study, daily step counts were recorded for 4 consecutive days in 129 four- and five-year-old children. To compare daily Yamax Digiwalker step counts with minutes of engagement in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), concurrent accelerometer data were collected in a random subsample (n = 76). The average daily step count was 9,980 (+/- 2,605). Step counts and MVPA minutes were strongly correlated (r = .73, p < .001). The daily step count of 13,874, equating to 1-hr MVPA engagement, was reached by 8% of the children. Daily step counts in preschool children give valid information on physical activity levels-daily step counts in preschoolers are low.

Effects Of A 2 Year Elementary-school Physical Education Intervention Based On Spark In Belgium

Several studies found that children's physical activity (PA) levels during physical education (PE) classes are lower than the 50% moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) engagement recommended by Healthy People 2010. The health-related PE program SPARK (Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids) of the San Diego State University is found to be effective in increasing children's PA level during PE classes in the US. PURPOSE to evaluate the effectiveness of a 2 year health-related PE intervention on children's PA levels during PE classes in a pretest-posttest design. METHODS 16 elementary schools were randomly assigned to the intervention condition and the control condition. The study population included 39 class groups at pretest (780 pupils, mean age: 9.7 ± 0.7) and 38 class groups at post-test measurements (764 pupils, mean age: 11.2 ± 0.7). All PE classes were specialist-led. The PE intervention evaluated in the present study was based on the PE component of the SPARK program. Levels of PA during PE classes were measured using the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT) and MTI accelerometers (10 children per class). RESULTS the observational data showed significant interaction effects for all student activity levels, revealing higher increases in the PE class time spent on ‘walking’ (F=11.26, p<0.001) and MVPA engagement (F=34.62, p<0.001) and a smaller decrease in the PE class time spent on very active activities (F=31.41, p<0.001) in the intervention condition, compared to the control condition. MVPA engagement during PE classes in the intervention condition increased from 43% at pretest to 56% at post-tests, and increased from 38% at pretest to 42% at post-tests in the control condition. No significant interaction effects were found for the lesson contexts, with the exception of a larger decrease in the PE class time spent on management in the control condition. The accelerometer data showed a significant interaction effect for the time spent on moderate intensity activities (F=7.3, p<0.01), revealing an increase in the intervention condition and a decrease in the control condition. No significant time by condition interaction effects were found for vigorous activities and gender on the accelerometer data. CONCLUSION the health-related PE intervention based on SPARK was found to be effective in promoting PA during PE classes in Belgium. Funded by the Flemish Government.

Effects Of A 2 Year Elementary-school Physical Education Intervention Based On Spark In Belgium

Several studies found that children's physical activity (PA) levels during physical education (PE) classes are lower than the 50% moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) engagement recommended by Healthy People 2010. The health-related PE program SPARK (Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids) of the San Diego State University is found to be effective in increasing children's PA level during PE classes in the US. PURPOSE to evaluate the effectiveness of a 2 year health-related PE intervention on children's PA levels during PE classes in a pretest-posttest design. METHODS 16 elementary schools were randomly assigned to the intervention condition and the control condition. The study population included 39 class groups at pretest (780 pupils, mean age: 9.7 ± 0.7) and 38 class groups at post-test measurements (764 pupils, mean age: 11.2 ± 0.7). All PE classes were specialist-led. The PE intervention evaluated in the present study was based on the PE component of the SPARK program. Levels of PA during PE classes were measured using the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT) and MTI accelerometers (10 children per class). RESULTS the observational data showed significant interaction effects for all student activity levels, revealing higher increases in the PE class time spent on ‘walking’ (F=11.26, p<0.001) and MVPA engagement (F=34.62, p<0.001) and a smaller decrease in the PE class time spent on very active activities (F=31.41, p<0.001) in the intervention condition, compared to the control condition. MVPA engagement during PE classes in the intervention condition increased from 43% at pretest to 56% at post-tests, and increased from 38% at pretest to 42% at post-tests in the control condition. No significant interaction effects were found for the lesson contexts, with the exception of a larger decrease in the PE class time spent on management in the control condition. The accelerometer data showed a significant interaction effect for the time spent on moderate intensity activities (F=7.3, p<0.01), revealing an increase in the intervention condition and a decrease in the control condition. No significant time by condition interaction effects were found for vigorous activities and gender on the accelerometer data. CONCLUSION the health-related PE intervention based on SPARK was found to be effective in promoting PA during PE classes in Belgium. Funded by the Flemish Government.

A Pilot Study Comparing Pedometer Counts with Reported Physical Activity in Elementary Schoolchildren

In this study pedometer counts were recorded for 6 consecutive days for 92 children (mean age = 9.6 years; range 6.5–12.7) and were compared with the number of minutes per day in which the participants engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Diaries filled out with the assistance of one of the children’s parents were used to determine minutes of MVPA. The average daily step count was significantly higher in boys than in girls, although the average daily MVPA engagement in minutes did not vary significantly between genders. Based on the regression equations, 60 min of MVPA was equivalent to 15,340 step counts in boys, 11,317 step counts in girls, and 13,130 step counts when results for both genders were combined. A moderate correlation (r = .39, p &lt; .001) was found between pedometer step counts and reported minutes of MVPA. According to the present study findings, however, predictions and promotion of daily MVPA engagement in children based on pedometer counts per day should be made with caution.

Active School Playgrounds—Myth or Reality? Results of the “Move It Groove It” Project

Background. School playgrounds during break times provide potential opportunities for children to be active during the school day. However, there is limited research on how active children really are during these breaks.Methods. The CAST (Children's Activity Scanning Tool) instrument was developed, validated, and used to assess the percentages of children engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and vigorous physical activity (VPA—a subset of MVPA) in 18 primary schools (children ages 5–12) in rural Australia. Related environmental factors were also measured.Results. For a school of median size (200 students), 51.4% of boys and 41.6% of girls were engaged in MVPA while 14.7% of boys and 9.4% of girls were engaged in VPA. Levels of engagement in MVPA and VPA were significantly higher during lunch periods than during recess. MVPA and VPA engagement in smaller schools was significantly higher than in larger schools.Conclusions. With growing concern about children's physical activity (PA), school playgrounds offer an opportunity to increase children's MVPA engagement especially among girls. Consideration may be given to the lengthening of recess periods in order to increase PA levels. More research is needed to investigate factors affecting PA levels in larger schools.