Pursuit of Knowledge, Attitude, and Behaviors for Active Living: Group Differences of Fitness and Fatness

• In Event: Student Attitudes and Motivation in Physical Education

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the group differences of fitness and fatness in knowledge about physical activity and fitness (PAF knowledge), attitude toward physical education (PE), and physical activity and sedentary behavior. Students (N = 343) from a mid-western middle school participated in the study. Validated surveys and FitnessGram were administered to measure PAF knowledge, attitude, behaviors, and health-related fitness. Knowledge, attitude, and sedentary behavior favored students who achieved the Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) compared to those who did not, after controlling for gender and grade. No significant differences were observed between the healthy and unhealthy body composition groups. The findings reinforce the importance of promoting cardiorespiratory endurance in PE as we educate youth for active-living.

Authors

• Senlin Chen, Louisiana State University

• Xiangli Gu, Univeristy of North Texas