[A cross-sectional study on physical activity in a sample of secondary school students in the province of Frosinone, Italy].

Background: Physical activity is influenced by individual, socio-cultural and environmental factors. The aim of the study is to describe the practice of physical activity in 11-18 year old students and to identify its correlates in a specific area of central Italy.

Methods: Data were collected in secondary schools of the province of Frosinone (central Italy) using an opportunity sample on 856 students by means of a self administered questionnaire.

Results: More than 50% of students reported to practice physical activity 2-3 times a week. Most of the students practiced football or five-a-side football as main sport (25.3%), followed by gymnastic and fitness (19.8%) and swimming (18.8%). Active commuting to school was reported by less than 20% of the sample while private car was the most common mean of transport (52.8%). Differences in physical activity practice were shown according to the residential municipality. Parents' educational level and their physical activity attitudes were positively associated to children's physical activity. These associations persisted after adjusting for age, gender and residential area.

Conclusions: Socio-economic position and parental behaviours are important predictors of physical activity practice in children and adolescents.