Physical activity in primary- and secondary- school children in West Glamorgan

Abstract

AGE and gender differences in 684 West Glamorgan schoolchildren's leisure-time physical activity were estimated from an activity diary which allowed the assessment of the type and quantity of physical ac tivity in which children participated. The study was carried out between September 1991 and February 1992. Boys were more active than girls and year six juniors were more active than secondary-school chil dren. Boys were more active, primarily because they played more team games. As leisure-time physical activity decreased sharply on entering secondary school, it is at this stage that the nature of physical education programmes should be considered.