COMPARISON OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL AMONG ADOLESCENTS OF ISFAHAN IN 1994 AND 2001

Introduction. It has been shown that regular physical activity (at least three days per week and at least 20 minutes per session) has many benefits especially on morphologic and hemodynamic changes of cardiovascular system and on lipid profile. Regarding the increasing trend of atherosclerosis risk factors especially hyperlipidemia and obesity (both modifiable by physical activity) among the children and adolescents of our society, their physical activity was evaluated in this study.
 Methods. This cross-sectional study has been performed in 1994 and 2001 on 2000 adolescent (1000 each year) arid their parents. Students and their parents were invited to complete their special questionnaire. Data have been collected and analyzed with SPSS 10 using chi-square and t-test.
 Results. The physical activity level showed no significant improvement during the last 7 years. The rate of regular morning exercise was declining in high schools (4.2% vs. 1.5%, P < 0.05). During these years, some of parents agreed with participation of their children in sport activities out of school hours but their disagreement had significantly increased (4.8% vs. 13.7%, P < 0.05). About 60 percent of students watched television more than 4 hours per day and only 10 percent of parents disagreed about this matter. In general the physical activity of girls was significantly lower than boys (P < 0.05) and regular physical activity in high school students was lower than guidance school students.
 Discussion. Regarding the physical activity level of adolescents did not show significant improvement in recent years, interventional programs should be performed in schools and in population in order to supply adolescents with facilities for physical activity and to increase the knowledge of adolescents and their families