Abstract

Physical education classes are an ideal instance to maintain and improve students’ health status. However, it is necessary to know the differences in the number of hours scheduled. Objective: To determine the influence that the allocation of two or four hours of Physical Education per week has on body composition, physical condition, and level of physical activity in schoolchildren. Method: a total of 244 students of 13.11 ± .84 years of age were evaluated. Anthropometric variables, physical condition, and level of physical activity were measured during Physical Education classes. Results: Significant differences were found for body composition (weight p = .0367), physical condition (VO2máx p<.0001, dynamometry p = .0165) and level of physical activity (p<.0001). Based on gender, significant differences between boys and girls were detected in the physical fitness variables (VO2max p<.0001, horizontal jump p<.0001, and dynamometry p<.0002) and in time in sedentary (p = .0403) and light physical activity (p<.0001). Conclusion: Weight, VO2max, and levels of moderate and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity are positively modified when performing four hours. In addition, it is concluded that boys are more physically active than girls and have a better physical condition. Boys and girls with higher BMI and BMIZscore values have lower physical condition.