Relationship between school rhythm and physical activity in adolescents: the HELENA study. Issue 16 (18th August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vanhelst, Jérémy; Béghin, Laurent; Duhamel, Alain; De Henauw, Stefaan; Molnar, Denes; Vicente-Rodriguez, Germán; Manios, Yannis; Widhalm, Kurt; Kersting, Mathilde; Polito, Angela; Ruiz, Jonatan R; Moreno, Luis A.; Gottrand, Frédéric
• Is Part Of: Journal of sports sciences. Volume 35:Issue 16(2017)
• Page Start: 1666
• Page End: 1673
• Publication Date: 2017-08-18
• Subjects: Physical activity -- school rhythm -- health -- adolescents; Sports -- Periodicals; Sports -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Sports -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 612.044
• DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2016.1229013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-0414

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The aim was to assess the relationship between school rhythm and physical activity (PA) in adolescents. The study included 2024 adolescents (12.5–17.4 years). Participants wore an accelerometer for 7 days. A short school rhythm was defined as a short time at school with short recesses and less time in teaching per day (Group 1). A long school rhythm was defined as a longer time at school with more time in teaching and recess (Group 2). Adolescents in Group 1 performed less moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) than those in Group 2 per week ( P < .0001), especially during school days (recess: 3.9 ± 4.0 vs. 9.8 ± 7.9 min · day −1 ; P < .0001; teaching hours: 14.5 ± 9.8 vs. 19.1 ± 12.0 min · day −1 ; P < .0001). Adolescents in Group 1 were less likely to meet the PA recommendations than were adolescents in Group 2: 30.7% vs. 34.1% ( P < .0001). During school days, the percentage of adolescents who spent more than 2 h · day −1 in sedentary activities was greater in the Group 1 ( P < .001). Our results suggest that leisure-time out-of-school hours is used mainly for sedentary activities, and that school time provides a good opportunity for promoting PA.