Physical activity levels of overweight and nonoverweight high school students during physical education classes

BACKGROUND: This study examined physical activity (PA) levels of overweight and nonoverweight African American and Caucasian students (n = 198) during game play in physical education classes. METHODS: Body fat percentages (%BFs) were determined using the skinfold technique and Slaughter et al prediction equations. Girls were classified as overweight if their %BF was >= 32; boys were classified as overweight if their %BF was >= 25. PA was monitored using pedometers during flag football, ultimate Frisbee, and soccer game play. Three 2 (weight classification) x 2 (gender) x 2 (race) factorial analyses of variance were conducted. RESULTS: Results indicated no significant difference in steps per minute between overweight and nonoverweight students regardless of game. Males were more active than females, and Caucasians were more active than African Americans. CONCLUSIONS: The most important implication of the current study is that the overweight and nonoverweight students accumulated similar amounts of PA during physical education. This emphasizes the importance physical education plays in providing both overweight and nonoverweight students with opportunities for PA. For many students, it may be their only source of regular PA.