Physical Activity Level of Elementary and  Secondary School Students in a Semi-Urban Area of North Greece

Christos Tsoulfas, Andreas G. Avgerinos, Antonios Kampas

Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini, Hellas

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the physical activity (PA) level of young people of a semi-urban area of North Greece. A sample of 600 young people [elementary (n=143), secondary (n=188) and high school (n=269)] participated in the study. The data was collected with the Physical Activity and Life Style  Questionnaire.   Data analyses revealed  that   78.6% of  the boys and   65.8% of  the girls of elementary school, 74.5% and 54.1% of middle school and 46.8% and 19% of high school fulfilled the European PA guidelines for health. PA decreased considerably with age, especially for girls. A large proportion of the participants in all age groups were not active enough to gain the health benefits and therefore they are prone to obesity and illnesses related to the sedentary lifestyle. These findings support the implementation of intervention programmes aiming to promote an active lifestyle and positive health behaviours.

Key words : Physical activity, physical education, spare time, youth, Greece