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ERIC Number: EJ1247408
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: N/A
Gender Differences in a Youth Physical Activity Intervention: Movement Levels and Children's Perceptions
McGovern, Jen; Drewson, Staci R.; Hope, Andrea; Konopack, James F.
American Journal of Health Education, v51 n2 p109-119 2020
Background: Sedentary behavior is a public health issue associated with obesity and other chronic health problems. The need for interventions is especially pressing for girls, who have lower levels of physical activity (PA) than boys do, and who are more likely to be overweight and to experience negative emotional states as they approach adolescence. Purpose: This study used a mixed-methods approach to examine gender differences in PA levels and perceptions of movement opportunities in an afterschool intervention. Methods: Data were collected from 22 children (4th-5th grade) who participated in a 15-week afterschool PA intervention (30, 1 hour sessions). PA levels were measured using accelerometers and perceptions of PA were gathered via focus groups. Results: Boys moved significantly more than girls based on total accelerometer counts (310,617 vs. 279,766, t = -3.63, p < 0.01) and step counts per session (2,297 vs. 2,100, t = -3.40, p < 0.01). Gender differences in PA perceptions emerged regarding competency and relationships. Discussion: Understanding gendered differences in PA perceptions are crucial to developing effective afterschool PA interventions. Translation to Health Education Practice: Interventions that enhance PA enjoyment for girls should incorporate self-efficacy of physical skills, cooperative style games, and activities that offer social interactions. A AJHE Self-Study quiz is online for this article via the SHAPE America Online Institute (SAOI) http://portal.shapeamerica.org/trn-Webinars
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 4; Intermediate Grades; Grade 5; Middle Schools; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New Jersey
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A