Make gym class fun, a research team recommends, and kids will exercise more outside of class. In an effort to determine what convinces youngsters to lead physically active lives, scientists from San Diega State University, the University of Texas-Houston and the University of Colorado concluded that feelings about gym class matter a great deal.
"This is a challenge to the physical education profession to develop programs that maintain high levels of participation and enjoyment throughout the school career," says study head James Sallis, PhD, San Diego State University.
The researchers surveyed 1,504 pairs of parents and children, fourth through twelfth grade, to assess how active the youngsters were, and why.
Enjoyment of physical education classes was a major factor in influencing levels of physical activity for boys and girls in all age groups. In addition, the use of afternoon time for sports and other physical activities and family support for physical activity determined the children?s tendencies to engage in physically active lifestyles.
"Because the after school hours are most children's only available time for physical activity, parents and community leaders need to put more emphasis on finding ways for young people to become active during this critical time," Sallis says. "More time should be spent with sports and outdoor play, and less with sedentary pursuits."
"Demographic variables including parent education, single-parent status, and ethnicity, had surprisingly little to do with how active youngsters were," Sallis says.
The scientists note that a multitude of studies reveal that youngsters need to exercise more. Few, however, examine how best to make that happen. This research, with its national sample of a wide range of ages, provides information to assist experts in designing effective interventions. The results of the study appear in the current issue of Health Psychology.
The research was supported by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the National Institute of Mental Health.
Health Psychology is the official, peer-reviewed research journal of the Division of Health Psychology (Division 38), American Psychological Association. For information about the journal, please contact its editor, David Krantz, PhD, at 301-295-3273.
Posted by the Center for the Advancement of Health www.cfah.org. For information about the Center, call Petrina Chong, pchong@cfah.org 202- 387-2829.
Journal
Health Psychology