Needs assessment for increased physical activity in Columbia schoolchildren [abstract]

Abstract

School children (n=77, average age= 8 years) at three Columbia schools were given accelerometers to be worn for seven days. Activity counts were collected and subsequently converted to metabolic equivalents (METs) in order to determine moderate or vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels. This data was then analyzed by race (white and nonwhite), socioeconomic status, age, and gender. A significant difference (t=2.099, p<0.05) was found between white and nonwhite children, especially in terms of weekday activity levels. Current intervention studies are being implemented based upon these findings.