Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-1-2010
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to conduct a secondary analysis by combining 2 pedometer data sets to describe and analyze pedometer-determined steps/day of children by ethnicity and metropolitan status.
Methods: Participants were 582 children (309 girls, 273 boys; 53% Hispanic, 26% Caucasian, 21% African American) age 10 to 11 years (M = 10.37 ± 0.48) attending 1 of 10 schools located in urban, suburban, and rural settings. Participants wore a research grade pedometer for at least 3 week/school days. Mean steps/ day were analyzed by gender, ethnicity, and metropolitan status.
Results: Statistical analyses indicated 1) boys (12,853 ± 3831; P < .001) obtained significantly more steps/day than girls (10,409 ± 3136); 2) African American (10,709 ± 3386; P < .05) children accumulated significantly less steps/day than Hispanic (11,845 ± 3901) and Caucasian (11,668 ± 3369) children; and 3) urban (10,856 ± 3706; P < .05) children obtained significantly less steps/day than suburban (12,297 ± 3616) and rural (11,934 ± 3374) children.
Conclusions: Findings support self-report data demonstrating reduced physical activity among African American children and youth, especially girls, and among children and youth living in urban areas. Possible reasons for these discrepancies are explored.
Copyright Statement
This document was originally published by Human Kinetics in Journal of Physical Activity & Health. Copyright restrictions may apply. http://www.humankinetics.com/
Publication Information
Johnson, Tyler G.; Brusseau, Timothy A.; Vincent Graser, Susan; Darst, Paul W.; and Kulinna, Pamela H.. (2010). "Step Counts of 10- to 11-Year-Old Children by Ethnicity and Metropolitan Status". Journal of Physical Activity & Health, 7(3), 355-363.