High school phys-ed in Vancouver, British Columbia: barriers and opportunities to adolescent physical activity

Rates of physical activity among adolescents in Vancouver, British Columbia are among the lowest in the province. This study examines ways in which public high schools can act as agents of public health to increase physical activity through physical education programs. A mixed method employs student focus groups, interviews with physical education department heads and secondary data from a provincial adolescent health survey. Results identify intrinsic and external barriers to physical activity for students who do not currently take physical education. Policies recommend actions to address students’ perceived lack of skill, the perceived low value of physical education in school, and the current structure of physical education classes. The research concludes that increasing physical activity in high schools depends on a collaborative effort between government, elementary schools, community recreation facilities, colleges and universities, and high school physical education departments.