Relationship between Physical Activity and Behavior in Primary Students

Objective: Our goal was to assess relationships between student physical activity and classroom behaviors. Methods: Physical activity of 157 primary students was assessed using accelerometers during school, and momentary time sampling tracked behaviors. Results: We found weak, significant inverse correlations among steps, intensity levels, and behaviors (R = .40, R² = .16, p = .01). Behaviors and steps before recess were significantly, inversely related (R = -.18, R² = .03), suggesting pre-recess steps account for 3% of behavior. Behaviors and steps after recess were significantly, inversely related (R = -.20, R² = .04), suggesting post-recess steps account for 4% of behavior. Conclusions: Findings demonstrated 84% of on-task behavior results from non-physical activity, suggesting other variables affect classroom behaviors.