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Few high schoolers engage in recommended 60 minutes of physical activity

Less than 9% of high schoolers engaged in the recommended 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, according to recent findings published in Pediatrics.

“In this study of a contemporary, national cohort of U.S. adolescents followed from 10th grade for 4 years, duration of [moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)] increased over the first year, but then steeply declined over the next 2 years,” Kaigang Li, PhD, in the department of health and exercise science at Colorado State University, and colleagues wrote. “Longer duration of MVPA was observed on weekdays than on weekends and was inversely associated with BMI change over follow-up. Additionally, MVPA was greater among 4-year college students than those not attending school and among students living on campus as compared with those living on their own or at home.”

The researchers examined participants from 10th grade through their first year of college (n = 561; mean age = 16.19 years). They assessed MVPA, calculated BMI and used surveys to determine physical activity, demographics, school status, residence and employment.

Researchers found that less than 9% of participants met the required 60 minutes per day of MVPA from 10th grade through the first year of college. MVPA was greater in males (P < .001) and Hispanics (P < .001). Increased BMI was associated with decreased MVPA. MVPA was associated with physical activity planning. Participants attending 4-year colleges and college students living on campus were more likely to engage in MVPA after one year of college. Weekend MVPA remained stable from 10th grade through the first year of college.

The researchers concluded that high schoolers engaged in a low level of MVPA and maintained this level through the transition to adulthood.

“Those with high BMI may benefit most from interventions to promote MVPA,” the researchers wrote. – by Will Offit

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.