mThis study compared the determinants of physical activity in active and lo
w-active African-American sixth grade students (N=108, 57 F, 51 M). Objecti
ve assessments of physical activity over a seven-day period were obtained u
sing the CSA 7164 accelerometer. Students were classified as active if they
exhibited three pr more 20-minute bouts of moderate to vigorous physical a
ctivity over the seven-day period. Relative to low-actives, active boys rep
orted significantly higher levels of self-efficacy, greater involvement in
community physical activity organizations, and were significantly more like
ly to perceive their mother us active. Relative to low-actives, active girl
s reported significantly higher levels of physical activity self-efficacy,
greater positive beliefs regarding physical activity outcomes, and were sig
nificantly less likely to watch television or play video games for greater
than or equal to 3 hrs/day. These observations provide preliminary guidance
as to the design of physical activity interventions targeted at African-Am
erican youth.