PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OF PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

A significant decrease in physical activity and a growing incidence of obesity are becoming problems of contemporary times, the economic and social costs of which we are bound to face. The systemic actions undertaken are aimed at creating space for physical activity and shaping health-oriented attitudes among children and young people. Promotion of health-oriented attitudes among children is one of the ways of preventing illnesses associated with lifestyle, and are also a significant factor influencing the condition of society and future generations. This study forms a preliminary evaluation of attitudes among primary school students in Lublin towards physical activity – its preferred forms and frequency. Moreover, the study presents a preliminary and general analysis of pain within the locomotor system in children. A survey in the form of a questionnaire was conducted in a primary school in Lublin among children at various stages of education. The questionnaire contained data about the children’s age and gender. Other questions concerned preferred forms of physical activity, its frequency and attitudes of schoolchildren to physical activity. The results obtained indicate that the majority (99%) of the children definitely like to undertake physical activity in various forms and they regard it as fun and an interesting way of spending free time. A significant share (51%) of the respondents reply that they undertake physical activity every day (apart from activities organized at school). However, the number of affirmative answers to the question about pain is worrying. The results obtained demonstrate quite a high level of physical activity among schoolchildren. However, the alarming results concerning incidences of pain (47%) point to the need for further indepth research on this area.