A Central Queensland University PhD student has launched a study into physical activity and body weight of Rockhampton children.

The School of Human Performance student, Mitch Duncan will attempt to understand the relationship between the physical environment and a child’s body weight and physical activity level.

“The project is specifically looking at children in grades five to seven in Rockhampton primary schools and how environments can influence levels of walking and cycling to school, neighbourhood physical activity, overweight and obesity,” Mr Duncan explained.

“We will be asking children to complete a short questionnaire asking them a range of questions related to the types of physical activities they enjoy and take part in, how their friends feel about physical activity, perceptions of their neighbourhood environments and the types of foods they eat.”.

Parents will also be included in the study as they can have a significant influence on the behaviours of children.

“We will be asking parents of participating children how important they feel their child’s physical activity is, their level of physical activity and also how they perceive their neighbourhood environment.”.

The study will involve monitoring the physical activity of about 500 children over a five-day period. The Queensland Government is supporting the project as part of the ‘Growing the Smart State’ initiative, a program designed to fund PhD research.

Mr Duncan hopes to be able to start his work in Rockhampton schools in April.

For details contact Mitch Duncan on 4923 2116 email m.duncan@cqu.edu.au