Physical Activity at School Recess: A Key Element in Balancing Social Disparities

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Since children are generally not achieving desirable levels of physical activity (PA), schools can provide an opportunity to increase their active time. This study aimed to describe individual- and social-level variables associated with PA at school recess in a culturally diverse primary school. METHODS: This observational cross-sectional study included 131 children attending primary school. PA data were measured via accelerometry during school recess and analyzed in relation to data on sociodemographics, anthropometrics, and PA outside school. Data were analyzed using generalized linear modeling and logistic regression. FINDINGS: Girls were more sedentary and engaged in less moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) than boys (p