Relationship between school rhythm and physical activity in adolescents: the HELENA study |
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| Authors: | Jérémy Vanhelst Laurent Béghin Alain Duhamel Stefaan De Henauw Denes Molnar Germán Vicente-Rodriguez |
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| Institution: | 1. Inserm, LIRIC, UMR 995, Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, France;2. CIC-PT-1403-Inserm-CH&3. U, Lille, CHU Lille, France;4. Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, EA 2694 - Santé publique: épidémiologie et qualité des soins, Lille, France;5. Department of Public Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium;6. Department of Pediatrics, University of Pecs, Pécs, Hungary;7. GENUD (Growth, Exercise, Nutrition and Development) Research Group, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain;8. Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Huesca, Spain |
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| 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. |
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| Keywords: | Physical activity school rhythm health adolescents |
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