Background/Purpose: Physical education (PE) can be a focal place to affect healthful physical activity behavior changes in youth (Pate et al., 2006). Students should engage in PE moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at least 50% of class time (USDHHS, 2000). The purpose of this investigation was to assess the physical activity levels of secondary school youth during PE.
Method: Total observations included 1238 data points from 395 students (652 observations from boys and 586 from girls: 673 from middle school (MS) and 565 from high school (HS) recruited from 2 MS and 2 HS. Data were collected during PE classes for three consecutive lessons per school. The average time spent in MVPA and step counts per class were measured by using a New Lifestyles NL-1000 pedometer with a MVPA timer.
Analysis/Results: Average minutes for each PE were 33.7 for middle school and 33.6 for high school. 2x2 factorial ANOVAs (school level by sex) were analyzed and a significant interaction was found for both MVPA (p=0.025) and steps (p=0.008). Independent t tests demonstrated that HS youth had more steps (2106 vs. 1743, p=0.000) and MVPA minutes (8.6 vs. 6.6, p=0.000). Sex-related differences were prevalent, as boys had more MVPA minutes (8.2 vs. 6.8, p=0.000), and took more steps during PE (2066 vs. 1734, p=0.000).
Conclusions: The participants spent approximately 22.3% of time as MVPA in PE class which is far less than 50% recommended. High school youth and boys took more steps and spent more time in MVPA during PE.
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