Mandatory Daily Physical Activity Programs for Grade 10 to 12 Students in British Columbia, Canada

Objective: This investigation examined 10th through 12th grade high school students’ physical activity behaviour patterns as they relate specifically to the Daily Physical Activity (DPA) requirements mandated by the British Columbia Ministry of Education in 2008. Methods: Compliance, as well as non-compliance, to the DPA program was measured through the use of a questionnaire-based survey of 86 10th to 12th grade students which focused not only on adherence to the guidelines, but also on: issues of non-compliance; how to positively influence physical activity; suggestions for improving the DPA program; support systems in place for those who might be struggling with meeting DPA requirements; and what happens (e.g., consequences to students' grades, etc.) when DPA requirements are not met. Results: Results of the study suggest that, for the most part, students are meeting the DPA requirement of 150 min per week. In addition, 89% of respondents believed that school-based programs were adequate. However 7% of survey participants suggested that schools should offer a wider variety of activities, and 3% suggested that home and community-based opportunities for DPA were less than sufficient. More than half of students confirm their parents do not support or encourage physical activity, and 25% of respondents stated that teachers do not urge them to exercise or participate in sports. In both cases, males were encouraged less, with 29% of parents and 71% of teachers promoting physical activity as opposed to 55% and 80% respectively. Lastly, approximately 80% of survey respondents noted the value of exercising with a friend. Conclusions: Although the quality of Physical Education is often under attack, schools are also capable of providing opportunities for increased physical activity in numerous settings outside of regularly scheduled gym class and they are the most logical environment for promoting physical activity. Consequently, the Daily Physical Activity program implemented in schools across British Columbia has the potential to drastically influence the health of students throughout the province. Although this study only provided a tiny snapshot of physical activity patterns, results indicate that, for the most part, students are meeting DPA requirements, and the program has been generally well received.