Physical activity of male and female adolescents living in a town and a city in the context of public health recommendations

Abstract

Study aim: To assess the physical activity of male and female adolescents from Poland living in a town (Czechowice-Dziedzice) and in a city (Katowice). Material and methods: The research involved 431 high school students aged 16-18 years (249 from Czechowice-Dziedzice and 182 from Katowice). Physical activity was measured by the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The volume of the different levels of physical activity was calculated in units of MET min/wk. Results: The total volume of weekly physical activity was higher among high school students living in a town (Czechowice-Dziedzice) than students living in a city (Katowice). Only 31.5% of the students met the criteria for recommended physical activity. Conclusions: The level of physical activity varies by place of residence. Students living in towns are more physically active than youth living in cities. Most high school students (64%) included in the research can be considered to be insufficiently physically active.