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.)
Descriptors: Health Education, Physical Activities, Video Games, Physical Activity Level, Risk, Leisure Time, Life Style, Television Viewing, Computers, Age Differences, Children, Adolescents, Health Promotion, Adults
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