ERIC Number: EJ1181226
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018-Jul
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-4391
EISSN: N/A
What's Physical Activity Got to Do with It? Social Trends in Less Active Students at Recess
Woods, Amelia Mays; McLoughlin, Gabriella M.; Kern, Ben D.; Graber, Kim C.
Journal of School Health, v88 n7 p500-507 Jul 2018
Background: Public health concerns regarding childhood obesity and sedentary behavior make investigations of children's physical activity (PA) promotion crucial. School recess, a highly discretional time, plays a central role in shaping children's activity preferences. Methods: Participants included 40 children (30 girls, 10 boys) from fourth and fifth grades, categorized as low active during recess (<26% moderate-to-vigorous PA [MVPA]). PA was measured via accelerometer (Actigraph wGT3X+) and activity choice gauged through a self-report measure over a 3-day period. To assess attitudes and perceptions of recess, individual interviews were conducted. Accelerometer data were analyzed into minutes and percentage of MVPA; interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed utilizing open and axial coding. Results: Participants were active for 18% of recess, choosing activities that were primarily individual-based. Interview data showed low active children attribute recess enjoyment to social interaction and time away from schoolwork as well as an intention to avoid other children who were unkind and/or caused social conflict. Conclusions: This study supports the importance of gaining a child's perspective of their own behavior, particularly those children classified as less active. Findings add a unique contribution to school health research through an innovative, child-centered approach to explore perceptions of PA.
Descriptors: Child Health, Life Style, Physical Activity Level, Obesity, Health Promotion, Recess Breaks, Grade 4, Grade 5, Elementary School Students, Measurement Equipment, Student Attitudes, Interviews, Interaction, Intention, Peer Relationship
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 4
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A