IS PARTICIPATION IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES RELATED TO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SEDENTARY TIME IN ADOLESCENT BOYS AND GIRLS?

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between adolescents’ frequency of participation in physical education and physical activity and their amount of screen time. The study included 1,502 girls and 1,379 boys aged 14–16 years. We measured the participants’ frequency of participation in physical education classes, physical activity, and sedentary behavior by means of a questionnaire-based survey. We found that participation in physical education classes was associated with higher levels of physical activity in boys and girls, less time spent on electronic devices in both genders, and less time devoted to watching TV in girls. Girls participated in physical education classes more often, had lower levels of physical activity, and spent less time on sedentary activities than boys. In conclusion, increasing the frequency of participation in physical education classes may be an effective strategy for reducing physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyles in adolescents.