Factors Influencing Physical Activity Levels Of Primary School Children

Abstract

Due to the acknowledgement that physical activity has become a growing problem worldwide contributing to obesity (Hills, Andersen and Byrne, 2011) the urgent need for research is required to help improve physical activity levels for young people. The aim of the research was to investigate pupils’ and teachers’ perceptions of physical activity and the factors that influence a child’s physical activity levels. The study achieved this by providing both parties with a variety of key factors and interventions that influence physical activity in primary school children. Thirty participants were involved in the collection of data, the perceptions of 24 pupils from years three to six were gained through basic questionnaires involving both qualitative and quantitative responses, whilst the views and opinions of six teachers were recorded through semi structured interviews. The results from the study highlighted that pupils and teachers were in agreement with certain factors that emerged; parents and teachers were major factors that influenced young children’s physical activity which were presented from both perspectives. Other factors such as peers, technology, weather, time management, narrowing of the curriculum, extra-curricular classes/sportspeople and equipment also emerged as determinants of motivation to participate.