How active are New Zealand children? : assessing levels of physical activity in 10-13 year old children by heart rate monitoring

Abstract

This research investigated the physical activity levels of children in the 10 to 13 year-old age group. The primary aim was to establish whether or not New Zealand children participate in enough physical activity to gain health benefits. Physiological, psychological, social and economic benefits have been shown for people who participate in regular physical activity. The recommended guideline is to accumulate 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days. Heart rate data were obtained from 60 children from three schools in different socioeconomic areas in the Christchurch region. The heart rate monitoring procedure took place over three weekdays and one weekend day.

The literature suggests a decline in the amount of physical activity being undertaken by children and a reduction in opportunities for children to be active. Results from this study found that 52 percent of the children met the recommended guidelines. This result is consistent with a similar study conducted in Britain. Boys were found to be significantly more active than girls. No significant difference was found between weekday activity and weekend day activity levels. Findings from the study indicate that if the suggested decline in activity levels continues, there is cause for concern for the future health and wellbeing of the people of New Zealand.