Method: The System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT) was used to measure physical activity levels during PE classes (n=33) in the model schools. The SOFIT data were reorganized to determine the moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels of the observed students (n=132). Teacher and classroom variables were tested as level-2 predictors using multilevel modeling techniques.
Analysis/Results: Across all model schools, approximately half of the students in (52.3%) were observed engaging in MVPA for at least 50% of class time. Girls had significantly lower MVPA levels than boys. In the final model, the only statistically significant level-2 predictors were school level (middle and high school students were more active than elementary school students) and class size (smaller class sizes were associated with higher MVPA). In addition, there was a significant interaction between student gender and teacher gender, in which a female student-female teacher combination predicted higher MVPA. Observed teacher characteristics such as encouragement, enthusiasm, and praising were not significantly associated with student MVPA levels.
Conclusions: The majority of students in the model schools achieved recommended levels of MVPA during PE classes. Except for teacher gender, teacher characteristics did not significantly predict student MVPA. However, the relatively small sample size may have limited the analysis. This study presents a different way of analyzing SOFIT data using multilevel modeling techniques. Study findings indicate that school level, class size, and teacher gender should be considered as factors that influence MVPA levels, particularly among female students.