Physical Activity Patterns Among Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The crucial role of physical activity (PA) in public health has long been acknowledged. However,there is a lack of studies examining PA levels in Sylhet, Bangladesh. This study aimed to analyze the patterns of PAamong adolescents in Sylhet. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, assessing the PA levelsof 250 students aged 14-17 years, attending grades 8, 9, and 10 from two high schools in Sylhet. Data were collectedthrough face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. The study was conducted over a period of sixmonths from September, 2024, to February, 2025. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results:Physical education (PE) classes had the highest frequency of regular physical activity (52%). However, unstructuredtimes, such as lunch breaks, saw minimal participation in physical exercise. Maximum (70%) students engaged in noexercise during breaks or only took short walks. Sports like football (117) and badminton (179) had relatively higherparticipation rates, whereas activities such as swimming and dancing were less common. Conclusion: The findingsemphasize the need for structured school-based public health programs to promote consistent physical activity. This isparticularly important for older students and females to support their overall health and well-being.