Quantifying Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity in High School Physical Education: A Pedometer Steps/Minute Standard

The primary objective of this research was to quantify the recommended minimum level (i.e., 50% of the class time) of moderate to vigorous physical activity within high school physical education via pedometry steps/min. A secondary objective was to explore the influence of lesson duration (i.e., traditional vs. block schedules) on quantifying moderate to vigorous physical activity via steps/min. Data (N = 218) were collected from 27 physical education classes taught by 10 certified physical educators in 6 schools. Physical activity measures were steps/min, percent of time engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity (%MVPA), and time engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPAtime, min.). Steps/min and %MVPA were strongly associated for all data and traditional and block schedules (r ≥ .94, p ≤ .01). Diagnostic statistics suggest that steps/min accurately discriminates between achievement and non-achievement of the 50% moderate to vigorous physical activity criterion. A steps/min interval of 82 to 83 was the most accurate indicator of the 50% criterion for all data. Steps/min and MVPAtime were strongly associated for traditional and block schedules independently (r ≥ .93, p ≤ .01) but not for all data combined (r ≥ .64, p ≤ .01). In conclusion, steps/min accurately quantifies the 50% moderate to vigorous physical activity criterion in high school physical education, and it is recommended as a physical education physical activity surveillance measure.