Physical activity of silesian youth

The main aim of this study was to diagnose the physical activity of boys and girls in the Silesian region. Physical expenditure during physical education classes and during the whole week was evaluated as well as the dominant forms of physical activity were considered. The research methods included: Caltrac accelerometer, Omron pedometer, Polar heart rate monitors and standardized questionnaire were applied. A tendency for lowered physical activity was observed for both sexes. Higher physical activity was registered among teenagers during workdays in comparison to weekends. There were significant differences in the level of physical activity among boys and girls and walking was the dominant form of physical exercise. The energy expenditure during PE classes compensated the lack of physical activity in everyday’s life.