This study examined whether the relative reinforcing value of physical acti
vity (RRVPA) measured in the laboratory predicted physical activity measure
d in the natural environment in 32 6-11-year-old children. RRVPA correlated
with physical activity level (r = .42, p < .05), and contributed to the pr
ediction of physical activity level along with child obesity. RRVPA was rel
ated to the number of moderate to vigorous physical activity exercise bouts
(r = .35, p < .05), not to the duration of those bouts. These results sugg
est that RRVPA is a determinant of child physical activity level, and that
it may be naturally more reinforcing for children to engage in multiple, sh
ort exercise bouts than fewer, more extended bouts.