A Community–School District–University Partnership for Assessing Physical Activity of Tweens
2009

Assessing Physical Activity Levels in Tweens

Sample size: 1407 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): McDermott Robert J., Nickelson Jen, Baldwin Julie A., Bryant Carol A., Alfonso Moya, Phillips Leah M., DeBate Rita D.

Primary Institution: University of South Florida

Hypothesis

What is the relationship between tweens' awareness of the CDC's VERB program and their participation in physical activity?

Conclusion

Participation in vigorous-intensity physical activity was high, but girls engaged in it less than boys, and having active friends was associated with higher activity levels.

Supporting Evidence

  • 83.1% of students met the federal recommendation for daily vigorous-intensity physical activity.
  • Boys engaged in vigorous-intensity physical activity more days than girls (5.22 vs 4.35).
  • Students with active friends engaged in physical activity more frequently.
  • 58.6% of students tried a new game or sport in the last 2 months.

Takeaway

The study found that most tweens are active, but boys are more active than girls, and having friends who play sports can help kids be more active.

Methodology

A survey was conducted in schools to assess physical activity levels among tweens and their awareness of the CDC's VERB program.

Potential Biases

Self-reporting can lead to overestimation of physical activity levels due to social desirability bias.

Limitations

The study was limited to public school students in one county and relied on self-reported data, which may be biased.

Participant Demographics

Participants were tweens aged 9-13 years, with 51.2% girls and 48.8% boys, primarily white.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI for boys: 5.07-5.37; for girls: 4.20-4.50

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

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