Leisure-Time Physical Activity in School Environments: An Observational Study Using SOPLAY* 1 (original) (raw)

2000, Preventive Medicine

levels have been developed [1-3]. Many adolescents are Background. Schools provide settings for physical not meeting these guidelines, particularly for high-inactivity (PA), but objective tools for measuring PA are tensity physical activity [4]. Numerous obstacles imlacking. We assessed an instrument to directly observe pede youth from obtaining recommended levels of physgroup PA and measured the leisure-time PA of adolesical activity, and, as they grow older, their activity levels cents throughout the school day. decline [5]. Children and adolescents obtain most of Methods. Leisure-time PA was studied by direct obtheir physical activity in nonschool settings [6]. Many, servation in 24 middle schools in Southern California however, have limited access to structured activity enviusing SOPLAY (System for Observing Play and Leisure ronments such as youth sports and activity lessons and Activity in Youth). SOPLAY uses momentary time samto nonstructured environments such as parks and hikpling to record the activity of each individual as sedening trails. Girls are particularly disadvantaged by fewer tary, walking, or very active. Results. The largest proportion of students visited opportunities for youth sports [7] and the less affluent activity areas at lunch time (19.5%), followed by before are hampered by entry fees and transportation costs. (4.1%) and after school (2.1%). More boys than girls vis-Adolescents, too young to drive, also must rely on others ited activity areas before school (33.4 vs 7.7) and at to provide them access to distant activity sites. lunch time (148.8 vs 36.7). Boys in areas engaged in Schools have been identified as providing the most more moderate to vigorous PA than girls before school logical environment for promoting public health of (59.6 vs 40%) and at lunch time (67.7 vs 51.7%). youth through physical activity [8,9]. Most studies of Conclusions. Few students use opportunities to be children's physical activity have taken place in elemenphysically active during lesiure time at school. Policies tary schools, primarily during physical education and environmental manipulations (e.g., supervision, classes [10]. However, there are nearly 14,000 middle equipment, structured programs) are needed to attract and junior high schools in the United States [11] and more adolescents, especially girls, to existing activity areas. The feasibility of SOPLAY for measuring group the physical activity that adolescents accrue in these PA was established. ᭧ 2000 American Health Foundation and Aca-environments has rarely been studied, particularly acdemic Press tivity obtained during leisure-time periods. Almost all Key Words: adolescents; middle school; physical activmiddle schools have facilities to support leisure-time ity; measurement; exercise; leisure activity (recrephysical activity during the day, and many conduct ation). structured extracurricular activities, including intramural and interscholastic sports and club programs. There are several reasons for interest in studying 1 To whom reprint requests should be addressed at Department of mended levels. Second, the recent, rapid increase in Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, 6363 youth obesity [14] is an important stimulus for in