Physical activity index for Galician schoolchildren of primary school education according to age and gender

Abstract

The acquisition of an active lifestyle in childhood and adolescence help it to be maintained in adult life. For this reason, it is essential to know the current situation of the number of schoolchildren who are active in their free time, both at school and when they are going to school. Therefore, the objective of this study has been to know the rates of children school physical activity practice, voluntary and leisure time in schoolchildren aged between 10 to 12 years, by gender. Participants were primary school children (n=1009), aged between 10 t0 12 years old, (boys=507; girls= 502); average age = 10.85, SD = 0.79 who were enrolled in different centres in Galicia (Spain). Statistically significant differences were found according to gender in the school physical activity index (p <.001) and in voluntary physical activity practice index (p <.001), being higher in boys than in girls. Statistically significant differences were also observed for age (p <.001). Physical activity rates of Galician schoolchildren at school and leisure are higher in boys than girls. School physical activity index decreases as school age increases.