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Article
Comparison of 4th Graders' Physical Activity Intensities in Various School Physical Activity Settings
Health Behavior & Policy Review
  • Andy R. Dotterweich, East Tennessee State University
  • Amy E. Greene, East Tennessee State University
  • Jason T. Davis
  • Gary Lhotsky, East Tennessee State University
  • Joseph T. Walker, University of North Texas
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2016
Description

Objective: Our objective was to measure fourth grade elementary students' levels of physical activity (PA) during school hours in multiple settings/activities. Methods: Fourth grade students' PA levels were measured in physical education (PE) classes, playground free play, and playground-based cross-curricular instruction using accelerometers, pedometers, and SOFIT observation methods. Results: PE provided the highest levels of moderate-to-vigorous PA (accelerometers [F(2, 32) = 7.84, p < .01], pedometers [F(2, 198) = 49.6, p < .01], and the SOFIT observational method [F(2, 121) = 22.37, p < .01]). Conclusions: Whereas PE yielded the highest levels of PA, it fell short of the recommended daily guidelines. Free play and cross-curricular activity may supplement PE to reach the overall daily PA guideline levels.

Citation Information
Andy R. Dotterweich, Amy E. Greene, Jason T. Davis, Gary Lhotsky, et al.. "Comparison of 4th Graders' Physical Activity Intensities in Various School Physical Activity Settings" Health Behavior & Policy Review Vol. 3 Iss. 2 (2016) p. 136 - 143 ISSN: 2326-4403
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/amanda-greene/2/