School sports opportunities influence physical activity in secondary school and beyond

Authors

Fuller, D; Sabiston, C; Karp, I; Barnett, T and O'Loughlin, J

Date

2011

Keywords

Sport; physical activity; physical education; exercise; school sport.

Country of research

Canada

Summary of findings

This Canadian study examines whether the availability of intramural or extramural sports in secondary schools is associated with physical activity (PA) levels in youth throughout secondary schools and at age 20 (irrespective of participation in such sports).  The research is based on 808 pupils from 10 secondary schools in Montreal.  Baseline data were collected in classroom-administered self-completion questionnaires at age 12/13.  Follow-up data were collected every three months during the school year to age 17 and then at age 20.  Data on the number of PA sessions outside normal gym classes were collected in a 7-day recall using a Weekly Activity Checklist (6 light, 17 moderate, 6 vigorous activities).  Details on intra- and extramural sports were obtained from the school principals.  Covariates including age, sex, body mass index, mother’s education and school socioeconomic status were selected.

The analysis of these data showed that those attending schools with a high number of intramural sports reported higher levels of total and vigorous PA than those in school with fewer such sports, regardless of whether or not they took part in the sports programme.  The authors speculate that this might be explained by a school environment that reinforces positive attitudes to PA.  Opportunities for extramural sports were not correlated with level of PA, regardless of participation in the programme.  However, independent of the availability of intramural and extramural sports, all reported marked declines in PA between ages 13 and 20.

The authors suggest that their results provide preliminary evidence suggesting that implementing intramural sports opportunities in school may be one way to help young people to achieve recommended PA levels.  However, compared with intramural sports, extramural sports appear to have limited potential for increasing PA at the school level, possibly because they typically involve fewer students and involve the more elite athletes.  The authors conclude that a variety of intramural sports opportunities should be offered to maximise participation, promote a culture conducive to involvement in PA and encourage sustained participation after school.

Methodology

Longitudinal study; survey.

Source of reference

Journal of School Health, 81(8), 449-454

Web reference

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1746-1561.2011.00613.x/abstract