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ERIC Number: EJ795806
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007
Pages: 8
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: N/A
The Effects of Leisure-Based Screen Time
Meier, Mary Dawn; Hager, Ronald L.; Vincent, Susan D.; Tucker, Larry A.; Vincent, William J.
American Journal of Health Education, v38 n3 p139-146 May-Jun 2007
Background: Use of television, computers, and video games competes with physical activity and may be a health risk factor. Purpose: This study assessed the relationship between leisure-based screen time and physical activity in families to determine whether assignment to a limited screen time group results in more physical activity. Methods: Ninety-four families participated for six weeks. Families were randomly assigned to unlimited or limited screen time viewing groups. Participants wore a pedometer to measure steps. Results: Results indicate no statistically significant differences in steps for adults (F(1,165) = 0.81, p less than or equal to 0.369) or 13-to-18-year-olds (F(1,63) = 0.21, p less than or equal to 0.647). Among the 5-to-12-year-olds, statistically significant group differences (F(1,165) = 5.63, p less than or equal 0.019) for steps were found between the unlimited viewing group and the limited viewing groups. Discussion: Lower amounts of leisure-based screen time yielded increased amounts of physical activity in the 5-to-12-year-olds, but this trend was not found in the 13-to-18-year-olds or adults. Additional research is needed in order to more fully understand the screen time and physical activity relationship. Translation to Health Education Practice: In general, promotion of physical activity at home and school could increase physical activity and decrease leisure-based screen time; otherwise, other sedentary activities may only replace the time not spent in front of a screen. (Contains 3 tables.)
American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. 1900 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Tel: 800-213-7193; Fax: 703-476-9527; e-mail: info@aahperd.org; Web site: http://www.aahperd.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A