Factors affecting first-grade pupils' physical activity during the school day: A pilot study

Result code in IS VaVaI

<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F62690094%3A18440%2F25%3A50022508" target="_blank" >RIV/62690094:18440/25:50022508 - isvavai.cz</a>

Result on the web

<a href="https://www.j-ces.com/index.php/jces/issue/view/16/38" target="_blank" >https://www.j-ces.com/index.php/jces/issue/view/16/38</a>

DOI - Digital Object Identifier

<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.37291/2717638X.202562495" target="_blank" >10.37291/2717638X.202562495</a>

Result language

angličtina

Original language name

Factors affecting first-grade pupils' physical activity during the school day: A pilot study

Original language description

Physical activity (PA) plays a crucial role in the healthy development of children, yet many school-aged pupils fail to meet recommended daily activity levels. This study explores how school environments and educational practices influence pupils’ PA during the school day, with an emphasis on the importance of supportive school conditions and structured physical activity opportunities. The pilot research was conducted with 43 children attending three primary schools in the Olomouc region of the Czech Republic. Pupils’ PA levels were objectively measured using digital pedometers. Information on school conditions and family lifestyle factors was gathered through two structured questionnaires. Statistical analyses included variance inflation factor analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), multiple linear regression, and Spearman’s correlation coefficient to determine the key predictors of PA. The results revealed that the most influential factors affecting PA were passive conditions within the school environment, particularly school size and availability of sports facilities. Active conditions, such as scheduled physical activity breaks and outdoor learning sessions, were also positively associated with increased PA levels. Conversely, family lifestyle factors showed no significant direct effect on children’s PA during school hours. These findings highlight the decisive role of schools in shaping opportunities for physical activity and underline the need for policies and educational initiatives that foster active school environments. The implementation of comprehensive school-based PA programs is recommended to support children’s overall health, motor development, and well-being.

Czech name

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Czech description

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Type

J_SC - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the SCOPUS database

CEP classification

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OECD FORD branch

50301 - Education, general; including training, pedagogy, didactics [and education systems]

Project

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Continuities

S - Specificky vyzkum na vysokych skolach

Publication year

2025

Confidentiality

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů

Name of the periodical

Journal of Childhood, Education &amp; Society

ISSN

2717-638X

e-ISSN

2717-638X

Volume of the periodical

6

Issue of the periodical within the volume

2

Country of publishing house

TR - TURKEY

Number of pages

14

Pages from-to

150-163

UT code for WoS article

—

EID of the result in the Scopus database

2-s2.0-105011507197