Improving Physical Activity Levels in Elementary and Secondary Schools. Can We Apply the Lessons We Have Learned from Adults Regarding Their Preferences toward Physical Activity and Exercise?

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to propose ways in which to increase PA levels in students from elementary and secondary schools, based on the implications of research findings examining adults’ attitudes, beliefs, outlooks and preferences on PA and exercise. In other words, can the information that we have learned from adults in their relationship towards PA and exercise be utilized to increase PA levels within the school environment?

Acknowledgments

A special thank you to Dr. Michael Emes, former dean of the College of Biological Science; Dr. Brian Husband, associate dean, Academic, College of Biological Science; Dr. Lawrence Spriet, chair of the Human Health and Nutritional Sciences Department; Dr. Genevieve Newton, associate professor, Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences; Charlene Winchcombe-Forhan, teaching and laboratory technician, College of Biological Science; Karen Armstrong, health promotion specialist, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health; Ishan Angra, health promotion specialist, healthy communities coordinator, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health; and Karen Fradua, health promotion specialist and director, State of South Carolina.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

M. Felicia Cavallini

M. Felicia Cavallini ([email protected]) is a professor of Physical Education, Department of Physical Education, Limestone College, in Gaffney, SC; David J. Dyck is a professor of Metabolism, Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, in Guelph, Ontario, Canada; Xuemei Sui is an associate professor of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Public Health Research Center, University of South Carolina, in Columbia, SC; Steven N. Blair is a full professor of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Public Health Research Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC.

David J. Dyck

M. Felicia Cavallini ([email protected]) is a professor of Physical Education, Department of Physical Education, Limestone College, in Gaffney, SC; David J. Dyck is a professor of Metabolism, Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, in Guelph, Ontario, Canada; Xuemei Sui is an associate professor of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Public Health Research Center, University of South Carolina, in Columbia, SC; Steven N. Blair is a full professor of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Public Health Research Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC.

Xuemei Sui

M. Felicia Cavallini ([email protected]) is a professor of Physical Education, Department of Physical Education, Limestone College, in Gaffney, SC; David J. Dyck is a professor of Metabolism, Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, in Guelph, Ontario, Canada; Xuemei Sui is an associate professor of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Public Health Research Center, University of South Carolina, in Columbia, SC; Steven N. Blair is a full professor of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Public Health Research Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC.

Steven N. Blair

M. Felicia Cavallini ([email protected]) is a professor of Physical Education, Department of Physical Education, Limestone College, in Gaffney, SC; David J. Dyck is a professor of Metabolism, Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, in Guelph, Ontario, Canada; Xuemei Sui is an associate professor of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Public Health Research Center, University of South Carolina, in Columbia, SC; Steven N. Blair is a full professor of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Public Health Research Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC.