A study was released yesterday which presented findings which are contradictory to previous studies on physical activity interventions. Previously research has focused on the assumption that creating more opportunity for children to be active – by providing more playgrounds, sports facilities and more physical education time in schools – will mean more physical active children.
Scientists, who presented their research Thursday at the European Congress on Obesity, found that the total weekly physical activity among children attending different schools was much the same despite large differences in the amount of time allocated to PE. The researchers propose it's not the environment that drives physical activity levels in children, but some form of central control in the brain similar to appetite – an 'activitystat'.
Read more on Study finds children's activity levels not influenced by more PE time in school
