Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors during Leisure Time and Physical Education Class in School Children in Córdoba

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: It is globally recommended that children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity (PA) and reduce sedentary behavior to a maximum of two hours a day in order to promote wellness and prevent diseases. OBJECTIVES: To describe the frequency of PA and sedentary activities (SA) inside and outside of school hours, according to gender and socioeconomic status (SES). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed with a random sample of 1577 children of 19 municipal elementary schools in the city of Cordoba in 2011. A self-administered questionnaire was used to investigate the frequency and duration of extracurricular PA and SA, with a scale to measure family SES. The SOFIT (System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time) tool was used to assess PA and SA during physical education class. RESULTS: A total of 64% met the daily recommendation of PA. There were found to be differences according to gender and family SES. During each week, 44 and 46% of the students spent more than two hours a day watching TV and on their computer, respectively (with a higher percentage of boys). The average duration of physical education classes was less than 40 minutes, and SA were performed during 57% of the class time. CONCLUSIONS: Although most students report being physically active in their free time, this depends on gender and family SES. Physical education classes contribute poorly to PA and highly to SA, wasting opportunities provided by the school space as a key device for promoting active lifestyles.