Physical Activity Levels in Children and Youth. Weekday vs Weekend

This study analyzed physical activity (PA) levels during the weekday vs. weekend in boys and girls of normal weight, those at risk for overweight, and those who were over-weight Students in Grades 3 (n = 565), 7 (n = 557), and 11 (n = 520) wore accelerometers (CSA, Inc.) for 7 consecutive days Time spent in moderate (3-5 9 MET) and vigorous (>6 MET) PA was determined. DM1 was calculated from standard measures of height and weight ANOVA was used to examine the average time spent in moderate and vigorous PA for boys and girls in each grade. Weekday averages fbi moderate and greater PA were 183.0 and 169.3 mm, 99.2 and 79.5 mm; and 39 8 and 32 2 mm, respectively, for boys and girls in Grades 3, 7, and 11 Weekend averages for moderate and greater PA were 1748 and 1554 mm, 81 3 and 679 mm, and 337 and 25.3 mm, respectively, for boys and girls in Grades 3, 7, and 11. There was a significant difference in weekday vs weekend PA levels for all grades and both genders No significant differences were found in weekday PA levels in normal weight, at risk for overweight, or overweight boys and girls in Grades 3, 7, or 11 Overweight Grade 3 boys and girls were significantly less active on the weekend