Physical Education and Gender Differences in Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior Related to Academic Success of Science-Related Courses for Children in the State of Qatar
Source abstract
Abstract
Background: This cross-sectional study examined gender differences in physical activity (PA), body mass index, sedentary behavior (SB), and academic performance (AP) in school-aged children in Qatar. Methods: Fifty-two schoolchildren (age: 11.9 ± 0.6 years) were assigned to gender-adjusted groups (female; n = 29). AP was calculated using the grade point averages (GPA) in Mathematics, Science, and Arabic. Additionally, the Short Form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was utilized. Results: Four parameters (peak height velocity [PHV], science, Arabic, vigorous PA) showed relevant gender effects (p < 0.05 and ηp2 > 0.10). The largest gender effect was calculated for PHV (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.45). PHV was markedly higher for males (1.65 ± 0.90) than for females (0.36 ± 0.37). Females showed a higher performance level in science (82.9 ± 8.61 vs. 77.0 ± 8.76) and Arabic (80.9 ± 8.25 vs. 73.0 ± 8.22). A significant gender difference (p = 0.002, ηp2 = 0.18) was evident for vigorous MET-minutes/week (males: 1318 ± 932 vs. females: 646 ± 525). In conclusion, males exhibited the greatest amount of moderate and vigorous PA. Females spent the greatest time sitting. Arabic was different by gender, and science AP was dependent upon gender. Conclusions: These data suggest subjects in middle school are sensitive to gender, but not necessarily influenced by PA or SB at this age. Encouraging a school-based program and an after-school health club characterized by gender sensitive strategies consisting of a health class and physical education curriculum support the unique needs, interests of academic performance, and motor skills to improving health related fitness for girls compared to boys.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet · Children's Physical and Motor Development · Physical Activity and Health
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Physical Education Department, College of Education, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow G72 0LH, UK
Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
Funding
QATAR UNIVERSITY
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