The Impact of Socio‐Economic Status on the Physical Activity Levels of British Secondary School Children

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the physical activity levels of British secondary school children according to school year, gender and socio‐economic status. Three hundred and one children from school years 7, 8 and 9 took part in the study. Physical activity was assessed using the four by one day recall questionnaire. Results indicate that the majority of children were classified as inactive but did appear to accumulate at least 30 minutes moderate activity daily. Significant differences were evident in average daily energy expenditure (p<0.05), time spent in moderate and vigorous activity (both p<0.01), with all aspects declining with age. Males reported greater average daily energy expenditure, time spent in moderate activity and time spent in vigorous activity than females (all p<0.01). High socio‐economic status children reported greater levels of average daily energy expenditure (p<0.01) and time spent in both moderate and vigorous activity (both p<0.05). It was concluded that the physical activity levels of older children, females and children from low socio‐economic status groups may be a cause for concern.