The Physical Activity Patterns of Northern Irish Schoolchildren Ages 11–16 Years

1 November 1991

journal article
Published by Human Kinetics in Pediatric Exercise Science

Vol. 3 (4) , 300-309
https://doi.org/10.1123/pes.3.4.300

Abstract

The aim of this study was to provide objective data on the cardiopulmonary fitness and physical activity patterns of Northern Irish postprimary schoolchildren. Forty-five children (23 boys, 22 girls), ages 11-16 years, took part in this study. Each child performed a laboratory test of peak aerobic power (PVO₂) and had his/her heart rate monitored for up to 4 school days. The mean values of PVO₂ in both boys and girls were in keeping with previous literature. No significant difference was observed between boys and girls in terms of total activity (>50% PVO₂), but boys engaged in significantly more vigorous activity (>70% PVO₂ than girls did (pppr= −0.476, p<0.05), but not for girls (r= -0.173, n.s.). The surprisingly low levels of physical activity on the part of older children of both sexes are a cause for concern.

Keywords

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