The association of school environments with youth physical activity

TLDR

The study examined how school environmental characteristics relate to student physical activity on campus. Researchers evaluated 137 activity areas in 24 middle schools for type, size, and improvements, and directly observed student activity, equipment, and supervision at multiple times. School environments with high supervision and improvements accounted for 42 % of girls’ and 59 % of boys’ activity variance, boosting physical activity for both sexes.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the association of school environmental characteristics with student physical activity on campus. METHODS: Physical activity areas (n = 137) at 24 public middle schools were assessed for area type, size, and improvements (e.g., basketball courts). Student physical activity and the presence of equipment and supervision were directly observed before school, after lunch, and after school. RESULTS: Environmental characteristics explained 42% of the variance in the proportion of girls who were physically active and 59% of the variance for boys. CONCLUSIONS: School environments with high levels of supervision and improvements stimulated girls and boys to be more physically active.