Assessing Physical Activity Levels in Tweens
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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