Analysis of the levels of physical activity in free time, BMI, satisfaction and support for autonomy in physical education in a Mexican sample

The aims of this paper were: 1) to analyse the levels of physical activity in leisure time and the BMI of adolescents according to their status and sex; and 2) analyse if there are differences in satisfaction with Physical Education, with life and support for autonomy by the Physical Education teacher based on gender and levels of physical activity in free time. 1501 compulsory secondary education students from public schools in Baja California and Nuevo Leon participated in the study. Of the total sample, 749 were girls (M-age = 14.0, SD = ,3), and 752 boys (M-age = 14.1, SD = ,3). A questionnaire made up of the following scales was used: BMI, Levels of Physical Activity in Free Time, Satisfaction with the Physical Education subject, Satisfaction with life and Support for Autonomy by the Physical Education teacher.The statistical analyses that were carried out were descriptive, the Mann-Withney U test, Kruskal Wallis H with the SPSS v.2.5. The results revealed significant differences according to sex and according to state. Higher levels of physical activity in free time were associated with greater enjoyment of Physical Education, of life and of support for autonomy by the Physical Education teacher.