Critical Hours: Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior of Adolescents After School

Citation

Atkin AJ, Gorely T, Biddle SJH, Marshall SJ & Cameron N (2008) Critical Hours: Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior of Adolescents After School. Pediatric Exercise Science, 20 (4), pp. 446-456. http://journals.humankinetics.com/pes-back-issues/PESVolume20Issue4November/CriticalHoursPhysicalActivityandSedentaryBehaviorofAdolescentsAfterSchool

Abstract
The present study examined physical activity and sedentary behavior patterns of adolescents between 15.30h and 18.30h. The sample for this study is 1,484 (boys: n = 561; girls: n = 923). Boys and girls reported 21 and 19 min of physical activity and 24 and 26 min of homework respectively during this period. Technology-based sedentary behavior (TV viewing, computer and video game use) was significantly higher in boys than girls (boys = 50 mins; girls = 35 mins; p < .05). The most prevalent behaviors after school are technology-based sedentary behavior, homework and physical activity. During these hours, engagement in physical activity does not appear to displace time spent doing homework.

Journal
Pediatric Exercise Science: Volume 20, Issue 4