Food & Health Alliance

Inchley, J.; Kirby, J. & Currie, C. Child and Adolescent Health Research Unit, The University of Edinburgh. (2008).

A five-year longitudinal study that investigates the factors that affect participation in physical activity in the primary to secondary school transition period in Scotland.  The study tracked a cohort of children from P7 in primary school to fourth year in secondary school (S4). 

Method:  Self-report questionnaires were distributed to all participants (641 adolescents), over a period of 5 years, with a sub-sample of the population also participating in in-depth interviews (between P7 to S2). 

Findings:  Boys were more active than girls, with physical activity decreasing for both groups with age.  The decrease in physical activity was gradual for boys, but a sharp decrease between primary and secondary school was noted for girls.  There was no significant difference in physical activity levels between high and low affluence families.  

Boys expressed more enjoyment in Physical Education classes than girls; boys were also more likely to take part in extra-curricular activities.  Boys were more likely to be active during break times than girls, but again a marked decrease in activity was noted between primary and secondary school.  At S4, ¾ of boys, but only a 1/3 of girls said they enjoyed physical activity a lot.  High enjoyment was associated with higher physical activity among boys and girls.  Girls reported more barriers to participating in physical activity than boys. High reports of perceived barriers were associated with lower levels of physical activity among boys and girls. 

Boys reported higher levels of peer support over all five years, but a decrease in peer support with age was noted for both genders.  There was no difference in mother support for both genders, but in S2 and S4 boys reported more support from their fathers than girls. More freedom for independent outdoors play was reported for boys, which, in turn was linked to being more physically active. 

Some evidence of a link between availability of local sports facilities and physical activity was noted, but this relationship was not consistent.  Access to sport equipment at home was consistently related to higher levels of activity. 

Suggestions:  As there appears to be more drop out from vigorous activity, a focus should be placed on moderate activity, specifically for adolescent girls in order to increase participation.  The proportion of active transport to and from school should be promoted as a simple way to increase physical activity.  Encouraging support from parents may help to ensure that adolescents engage in physical activity.  Focusing on adolescent girls self-esteem and peer group interactions may assist in increasing participation.  Balancing safety and independent mobility are key factors in maintaining participation in physical activity.  As the transition between primary and secondary school is related to a decrease in physical activity, a focus should be on the upper primary school years in order to ensure that young adolescents have the skills, motivation and self-confidence in order to maintain physical activity participation.