Physical Activity Opportunity in K-12 Public School Settings: Nevada

Authors

Monica A. F. Lounsbery, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow
Timothy J. Bungum, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow
Nicole Jennifer Smith, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2007

Publication Title

Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Volume

4

Issue

1

First page number:

30

Last page number:

38

Abstract

Objectives: We examined the status of physical activity opportunity in Nevada K-12 public schools. The focus was on determining both prevalence and nature of existing programs as well as school administrators-perceived barriers to offering physical activity programs. Methods: A 15 item questionnaire was used to assess prevalence and nature of programs as well as perceived barriers. Results: Nevada school-age children do not have regular access to physical education. Excluding physical education, more than 30% of schools do not provide physical activity programming. Most existing programs are competitive sport related. In addition, as students matriculate through school, fewer program options and opportunities to participate throughout the school day are available. Lack of funds was the most frequently reported perceived barrier to offering physical activity programs. Conclusions: Opportunities to be physically active over the course of the school day are limited and as a result, hinder important national objectives for health-related outcomes.

Keywords

Exercise; Physical education; Physical education for children; Physical education teachers; Physical inactivity; School children--Health and hygiene; School health; Sedentary behavior; Sedentary behavior in children; Surveillance

Disciplines

Community-Based Research | Education | Education Policy | Exercise Science | Health Policy | Leisure Studies | Medicine and Health

Language

English

Permissions

Use Find in Your Library, contact the author, or interlibrary loan to garner a copy of the item. Publisher policy does not allow archiving the final published version. If a post-print (author's peer-reviewed manuscript) is allowed and available, or publisher policy changes, the item will be deposited.

Repository Citation

Lounsbery, M. A., Bungum, T. J., Smith, N. J. (2007). Physical Activity Opportunity in K-12 Public School Settings: Nevada. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 4(1), 30-38.