Unique Research Study Begins

Ground-breaking research begins this week with a unique study of the physical activity levels of children and youth (PACY) in Nova Scotia. The study will involve over 2000 students in 75 schools across the province, and will use new technology to record the intensity, duration and time students are physically active.

Nova Scotia Premier John Hamm says the study is unique in Canada and perhaps the world.

"This is the first time this new technology has been used in a study of physical activity levels of a population," said the premier."Through this research, we will gain objective results -- results that are critical in the development of our new physical activity strategy. The focus is healthier kids."

Over the next four months, randomly selected students in grades 3, 7 and 11 will be asked to wear a recording device called an accelerometer. It will measure the activity levels of students over a one-week period. Researchers say the new device provides a more reliable scientific method for tracking the true activity levels of Nova Scotia children and youth.

Rodney MacDonald, Minister responsible for the Sport and Recreation Commission, said the information gathered through this study will establish an important benchmark.

"We want to reduce the level of physical inactivity among children and youth by 10 per cent by 2005," said Mr. MacDonald. "This initial data will be the starting point. It will allow us to be more effective in developing programs and initiatives that support physical activity in communities, schools and families."

"The recommended level of physical activity for children and youth is an accumulated 60 minutes of moderate activity on a daily basis," says principle investigator, Phil Campagna of Dalhousie University. "The accelerometer can measure this more reliably than questionnaires -- and without having participants go outside of the scope of their normal daily activities."

Those involved in the PACY research committee include Nova Scotia's Sport and Recreation Commission and departments of Education and Health; Dalhousie, St. Francis Xavier, and Acadia universities and the University College of Cape Breton; and Health Canada.

In addition to this study, the Sport and Recreation Commission will hold 24 public consultation sessions throughout the province to further assist in the development of the physical activity strategy. This provides an opportunity for interested individual and the general public to provide input. The strategy is expected to be finalized and implemented early in 2002.