Abstract
Objective
This paper examines trends in vigorous physical activity participation among students enrolled in grades 7, 9, 11 and 13 in Ontario between 1997 and 2001. Patterns in participation by gender and grade level are also described.
Methods
Data were derived from the Ontario Student Drug Use Survey for 1997, 1999, and 2001. Three outcomes of vigorous physical activity were included in self-report questionnaires completed by more than 5,000 students over a three-year period. They responded to the survey in classroom groups during school time. Estimates were weighted and variance and statistical tests have been corrected for the complex sample design.
Results
Comparisons between 1997 and 2001 indicated that, overall, patterns of vigorous physical activity remained stable. However, there were significant declines in vigorous physical activity participation by females and 11th grade students between 1997 and 2001.
Interpretation
The trends for females and 11th graders are disturbing, since they indicate that the normal gender and age differences in vigorous physical activity participation, found in numerous previous studies, are compounded by declining levels over time for these groups.
Résumé
Objectif
Examiner les tendances de la participation à des activités physiques vigoureuses chez des élèves de 7e, 9e, 11e et 13e années en Ontario entre 1997 et 2001. Les schémas de participation selon le sexe et la classe sont également abordés.
Méthode
Les données proviennent du Sondage sur la consommation de drogues parmi les élèves de l’Ontario (1997, 1999 et 2001). Nous avons inclus trois résultats liés à l’activité physique vigoureuse dans un questionnaire d’auto-évaluation rempli pendant les heures d’école par plus de 5 000 élèves, répartis en groupes de classes, sur une période de trois ans. Vu la complexité du plan de sondage, nous avons pondéré les estimations et rectifié les données des tests statistiques et fondés sur la variance.
Résultats
Dans l’ensemble, entre 1997 et 2001, les schémas de l’activité physique vigoureuse sont restés stables, mais la participation des filles et des élèves de 11e année a présenté une baisse significative.
Interprétation
Les tendances de participation des filles et des élèves de 11e année à des activités physiques vigoureuses sont troublantes, car elles montrent que les différences normales selon l’âge et le sexe constatées dans beaucoup d’études antérieures sont aggravées par des baisses dans le temps pour ces deux groupes.
Footnotes
This research is supported by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario (Grant No. HBR 4860). Dr. Kenneth Allison is supported by a Career Scientist award provided by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. The Ontario Student Drug Use Survey is sponsored by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
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