Gender differences in time spent by adolescents in sedentary and physical activity in different day segments

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the existence of possible gender differences in time spent by adolescents in sedentary activity and light, moderate and vigorous physical activity in different day segments. These differences were analysed both on weekdays and weekend days. The initial sample of this study consisted of 206 secondary school students (M= 15.07; SD= 0.86). Sedentary and physical activity were measured with ActiGraph GT3X accelerometers, which were worn by the adolescents during one week. Girls showed higher levels of sedentary activity during 'Pre-school time' (from 06:30 to 08:30 hours), whereas boys showed more vigorous physical activity during this segment of the day. Boys showed higher levels of vigorous physical activity during 'School' (from 08:31 to 14:30 hours), 'Weekday lunches' (from 14:31 to 16:00 hours), 'Weekday afternoons' (from 16:01 to 18:30 hours), and 'Weekday evenings' (from 18:31 to 21:00 hours). Girls showed more sedentary activity during 'Weekday evenings'. Finally, boys showed higher levels of vigorous physical activity during 'Weekend afternoons' (from 16:01 to 18:30 hours). Besides the discussion of the results, this article proposes several recommendations to promote girls' participation in physical activity.