Indoor Waterpark: An Examination of Physical Activity Levels and Use Patterns of Youth Participants

Authors

William D. Ramos, Indiana UniversityFollow
Craig M. Ross, Indiana University

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25035/ijare.07.03.07

Abstract

This study examined patterns and levels of physical activity of youth participants at an indoor waterpark in rural southern Indiana. The System for Observing Play and Recreation (SOPARC) was the instrument used to guide data collection for the study to determine youth physical activity postures coded as sedentary, walking, or vigorous. Subjects consisted of youths, ages 4 to18, who attended the park during the period of data collection. Results converged into seven main target areas representing data for age groupings, gender and physical activity postures. Frequencies were calculated for variables involving counts and moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). A series of one-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) were performed using total metabolic equivalents (METs). Physical activity in the waterpark was shown to have the capability to produce moderate and vigorous levels of physical activity overall and to also generate a variety of differences among individuals and activity areas at the facility.

Recommended Citation

Ramos, William D. and Ross, Craig M. (2013) "Indoor Waterpark: An Examination of Physical Activity Levels and Use Patterns of Youth Participants," International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education: Vol. 7: No. 3, Article 7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25035/ijare.07.03.07
Available at: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/ijare/vol7/iss3/7