20.8.2014
Bjørg Oddrun Hallås, Torunn Herfindal and Hege Wergedahl
Comparison of the Physical Activity of 11–12 Year Old Pupils in Two Schools in Norway and Iceland, using Pedometer Registrations and Activity Diaries

Detailed knowledge about physical activity (PA) in both school and leisure time is of great importance in order to promote children’s health. This study investigates and compares the PA levels of sixth-grade pupils, 11–12 years of age, in two Nordic schools, during both school and leisure time by combining pedometer measures with activity diary records. Pupils from Norway (n= 44) and Iceland (n=37) wore pedometers for seven consecutive days and kept an activity diary for the first two days. Although the total amount of PA of Norwegian and Icelandic pupils was similar, a closer look at the various activities during school time and leisure time revealed significant differences between the case schools, including gender differences. The study has contributed to the knowledge about PA among 11–12-year-old pupils in two Nordic countries and revealed a need for more research into different factors, in both school and leisure time that can contribute to increasing Nordic pupils PA levels.