Comparison of the Level of Physical Activity in Field Dependent and Field Independent Students

It is necessary to understand the effective factors in participation in physical activity in order to increase this activity in school students. The aim of the present study was to compare the level of physical activity between field dependent/ independent students in guidance schools of Kharame city of Fars province. At first 150 male students were randomly selected and after Frame and Rod test, 100 subjects were divided into two groups: field dependent group (mean age of 12.82±0.96 years, height 155.9±6.65 cm, weight 47.5±12.27 Kg) and field independent group (mean age of 13.32±0.89 years, height 158.1±8.61 cm, weight 51±15.74 Kg). Frame and Rod test was used to measure dependence and independence and Self-assessed Physical Activity Checklist was used to evaluate physical activity. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to check the normality of the data. Independent t test was used for statistical analysis in SPSS Version 17 (α=0.05). There was a significant difference in duration of physical activity between students with field dependent/independent cognitive styles (p=0.000). There was a significant difference in duration of moderate to burst physical activity between students with field dependent/independent cognitive styles (p=0.018). There was a significant difference in MET scores between students with field dependent/independent cognitive styles (p=0.000). There was a significant difference in MET of moderate to burst physical activity between students with field dependent/independent cognitive styles (p=0.012). The results of this study showed that students with field independent cognitive styles had more physical activity and energy expenditure than field independent students. It was concluded that the field dependent students may have more motor impairments and this claim needs more studies to be approved. Moreover, since cognitive style, as one of the variables which are the result of the interaction between the environment and individual and can be changed and developed, can be interfered, it is suggested that cognitive styles of the students change and encourage them in physical activity and healthier life through educational strategies.