Sociodemographic differences in patterns of sedentary and physically active behavior in older children and adolescents

Abstract

Numerous studies have found that involvement in moderate‐intensity and strenuous activity has positive effects on health. This study considered the prevalence of different aspects of physical activity and sedentary behavior in 11–16‐y‐olds based on a representative national survey of 3270 Icelandic primary schoolchildren (91% response rate). All‐day sedentary behavior was extremely rare (Conclusion: Compulsory school physical education frequently failed to translate into voluntary physical involvement. Sociodemographic differences in physical activity were greater during leisure time, than during school and leisure time combined.