Objectives-To investigate the amount of regular activity and time spent in
sedentary occupations in children aged 7-9 years. Sex differences in levels
of activity and time and facilities for physical education at school were
also examined.
Methods-A 10% sample of Dublin National Schools were selected. Parents of c
hildren in second class were surveyed. The questionnaire used was a modific
ation of the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents. Teachers of
second class were questioned about the time and facilities for physical ed
ucation in schools.
Results-Some 39% of children were participating in hard exercise for at lea
st 20 minutes three or more times a week, with fewer girls (28%) than boys
(53%) contributing to this result. A further 57% of children were engaging
in at least 20 minutes of light exercise three or more times a week, with n
o sex differences. Estimated energy expenditure in regular activity was hig
her in boys than girls. Most (78%) of the children were spending one to thr
ee hours a day sedentary in front of a screen.
Conclusions-This study provides comprehensive data on physical activity lev
els in Dublin schoolchildren aged 7-9 years. The amount of inactivity is of
concern. Even at this young age, boys are reported to participate in more
physical activity than girls.