Scheduled for Research Consortium Psychology and Sociocultural Poster Session, Wednesday, April 26, 2006, 1:45 PM - 3:15 PM, Convention Center: Exhibit Hall Poster Area I


Surveillance of Physical Activity Opportunity in Nevada K–12 Public Schools

Monica Lounsbery, Nicole J. Smith, Christi Smith and Tim Bungum, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV

In order to determine the status of physical activity opportunity afforded to students in Nevada K-12 public schools, the Nevada Action for Healthy Kids State Team received approval from the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and all school district superintendents to develop and disseminate a survey to every K-12 public school in the state of Nevada. The survey intended to describe the school environment in terms of physical activity oriented program offerings. Using schools as the unit of analysis, a cross-sectional study was undertaken. Of the 511 public schools in the state of Nevada, 245 completed the survey. The sample was comprised of 151 of a possible 336 elementary schools (45% participation), 46 of a possible 88 middle schools (52% participation), and 47 of a possible 87 high schools (54% participation). Of reporting elementary schools, results showed that physical education was (a) not offered in 16 schools, (b) not taught by a certified physical education teacher in 18% of schools, and (c) offered less than two times per week in 23% of schools. Additionally, over 90% of high schools reported granting physical education credit for participation in alternative experiences such as athletics, cheerleading, and/or marching band. With physical education not considered, fewer than 50% of reporting schools indicated the existence of any organized physical activity programs. Of those schools reporting existence of organized physical activity programming, 18% reported before school programming, 45% reported during school programming, and 46% reported after school programming. Over 65% of existing physical activity program offerings were reported to be either organized sport or intramurals programs; only 13.6% of existing programs were reported to be lifetime activity oriented (e.g., walking club). Survey results clarified that in general, students in the state of Nevada do not have adequate access to physical activity over the course of the school day. These findings, coupled with the lack of regular enrollment in physical education, raise cause for serious concern relative to the health risks associated with physical inactivity. Additionally, survey results highlighted a strong prevalence of sport or intramural competition focus among existing physical activity program offerings. Such offerings are too narrow in focus and likely do not capture the interest or compel the participation of non-athletic students in physical activity. Nevada public schools should strive to provide more opportunities to be physically active over the school day and in addition, offer more lifetime activity oriented programming (e.g., walking clubs).


Keyword(s): physical activity

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