Physical Activity Levels of Secondary School Spanish Adolescents

This study investigated the physical activity levels of a group of 367 adolescent boys and girls aged 12‐18 from the province of Teruel (Spain). The method used was based on an interview‐questionnaire which provided an estimate of energy expenditure, as well as the time spent in different activity intensities. The results showed considerable levels of activity amongst the adolescents (57.2%) and boys were more active than girls. In contrast to previous research, physical activity did not decrease significantly with age. A percentage of 57.8% of the sample had engaged in a daily average of 30 minutes or more of moderate activity and 31.9% in a daily average of one hour or more, whereas 28.9% of the sample reported to have done no daily vigorous activity. It was concluded that a substantial number of Spanish adolescents engaged in some physical activity which may have positive effects on their health, although the levels of inactivity reported constitute an important issue for the social agencies and organisations involved in the promotion of health‐enhancing physical activity for young people.