Determinants of Physical Activity in Active and Low-Active, Sixth Grade African-American Youth

This study compared the determinants of physical activity in active and low‐active African‐American sixth grade students (N=108, 57 F, 51 M). Objective assessments of physical activity over a seven‐day period were obtained using the CSA 7164 accelerometer. Students were classified as active if they exhibited three or more 20‐minute bouts of moderate to vigorous physical activity over the seven‐day period. Relative to low‐actives, active boys reported significantly higher levels of self‐efficacy, greater involvement in community physical activity organizations, and were significantly more likely to perceive their mother as active. Relative to low‐actives, active girls reported significantly higher levels of physical activity self‐efficacy, greater positive beliefs regarding physical activity outcomes, and were significantly less likely to watch television or play video games for > 3 hrs/day. These observations provide preliminary guidance as to the design of physical activity interventions targeted at African‐American youth.