scholarly journals Results from Ireland’s 2014 Report Card on Physical Activity in Children and Youth

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (s1) ◽  
pp. S63-S68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deirdre M. Harrington ◽  
Sarahjane Belton ◽  
Tara Coppinger ◽  
Muireann Cullen ◽  
Alan Donnelly ◽  
...  

Background:Physical activity (PA) levels are a key performance indicator for policy documents in Ireland. The first Ireland Report Card on Physical Activity in Children and Youth aims to set a robust baseline for future surveillance of indicators related to PA in children and youth.Methods:Data collected between 2003−2010 on more than 35,000 7- to 18-year-old children and youth were used and graded using a standardized grading system for 10 indicators.Results:Grades assigned for the indicators were as follows: overall physical activity levels, D-; sedentary behavior (TV viewing), C-; organized sport participation, C-: physical education, D-; active play, inconclusive (INC); active transportation, D; school, C-, community and the built environment, B; family, INC; and government, INC.Conclusions:PA recommendations exist in Ireland but this Report Card has shown that participation is still low. A number of promising policies, programs and services are in place but these require thorough evaluation and adequate resourcing. Agreement and implementation of a common framework for the systematic surveillance of indictors related to PA of children and youth is necessary to monitor change over time and ensure the impact of promising work is captured.

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (s2) ◽  
pp. S183-S188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deirdre M. Harrington ◽  
Marie Murphy ◽  
Angela Carlin ◽  
Tara Coppinger ◽  
Alan Donnelly ◽  
...  

Background:Physical activity (PA) is a key performance indicator for policy documents in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Building on baseline grades set in 2014, Ireland’s second Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth allows for continued surveillance of indicators related to PA in children and youth.Methods:Data and information were extracted and collated for 10 indicators and graded using an international standardized grading system.Results:Overall, 7 grades stayed the same, 2 increased, and 1 decreased. Grades were assigned as follows: Overall PA, D (an increase); Sedentary Behavior (TV), C-; Physical Education, D-; Active Play, Incomplete/Inconclusive (INC); Active Transportation, D; School, D (a decrease); Home (Family), INC; Community and the Built Environment, B+ (an increase); and Government, INC. Unlike 2014’s report card, different grades for the Republic (C-) and Northern Ireland (C+) were assigned for Organized Sport Participation.Conclusions:Although the grade for Overall PA levels increased to a D, this may reflect the increased quality and quantity of data available. The double burden of low PA and high sedentary levels are concerning and underscore the need for advocacy toward, and surveillance of, progress in achieving targets set by the new National Physical Activity Plan in the Republic and obesity and sport plans in the North.


2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (s2) ◽  
pp. S124-S128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Liu ◽  
Yan Tang ◽  
Zhen-Bo Cao ◽  
Pei-Jie Chen ◽  
Jia-Lin Zhang ◽  
...  

Background:Internationally comparable evidence is important to advocate for young people’s physical activity. The aim of this article is to present the inaugural Shanghai (China) Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth.Methods:Since no national data are available, the working group developed the survey questionnaire and carried out the school surveys for students (n = 71,404), parents (n = 70,346), and school administrators and teachers (n = 1398). The grades of 9 report card indicators were assigned in accordance with the survey results against a defined benchmark: A is 81% to 100%; B is 61% to 80%; C is 41% to 60%, D is 21% to 40%; F is 0% to 20%.Results:The 9 indicators were graded as follows: Overall Physical Activity Levels (F), Organized Sport Participation (F), Active Play (D-), Active Transportation (C-), Sedentary Behavior (F), Family and Peers (B), School (B+), Community and the Built Environment (D+), and Government (D).Conclusions:Levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior were low and below the respective recommended guidelines. Interventions and policies at the community level should be encouraged to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior. Future national surveys should be encouraged to strengthen Shanghai’s Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth.


2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (s1) ◽  
pp. S26-S32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Casey E. Gray ◽  
Joel D. Barnes ◽  
Jennifer Cowie Bonne ◽  
Christine Cameron ◽  
Jean-Philippe Chaput ◽  
...  

Background:The Active Healthy Kids Canada (AHKC) Report Card consolidates and translates research and assesses how Canada is being responsible in providing physical activity opportunities for children (3- to 11-years-old) and youth (12- to 17-years-old). The primary aim of this article is to summarize the results of the 2014 AHKC 10th Anniversary Report Card.Methods:Ten physical activity indicators were graded using the AHKC Report Card development process, which includes a synthesis of the best available research, surveillance, policy and practice findings, and expert consensus.Results:Grades assigned were for: ‘Behaviors that Contribute to Overall Physical Activity Levels’ (Overall Physical Activity Levels, D-; Organized Sport Participation, C+; Active Play, INCOMPLETE; Active Transportation, D; Sedentary Behaviors, F), ‘Settings and Sources of Influence’ (Family and Peers, C; School, C+; and Community and the Built Environment, B+), and ‘Strategies and Investments’ (Government Strategies and Investments, C; and Non-Government Strategies and Investments, A-).Conclusions:Despite good availability of policies, programs, and infrastructure, the overall physical activity levels of Canadian children and youth remain low while sedentary behavior levels remain high. As with many nations, there is room for improvement in most physical activity behaviors and some sources of influence.


2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (s1) ◽  
pp. S105-S112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kara N. Dentro ◽  
Kim Beals ◽  
Scott E. Crouter ◽  
Joey C. Eisenmann ◽  
Thomas L. McKenzie ◽  
...  

Background:The National Physical Activity Plan Alliance partnered with physical activity experts to develop a report card that provides a comprehensive assessment of physical activity among United States children and youth.Methods:The 2014 U.S. Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth includes 10 indicators: overall physical activity levels, sedentary behaviors, active transportation, organized sport participation, active play, health-related fitness, family and peers, school, community and the built environment, and government strategies and investments. Data from nationally representative surveys were used to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the physical activity indicators. The Committee used the best available data source to grade the indicators using a standard rubric.Results:Approximately one-quarter of children and youth 6 to 15 years of age were at least moderately active for 60 min/day on at least 5 days per week. The prevalence was lower among youth compared with younger children, resulting in a grade of D- for overall physical activity levels. Five of the remaining 9 indicators received grades ranging from B- to F, whereas there was insufficient data to grade 4 indicators, highlighting the need for more research in some areas.Conclusions:Physical activity levels among U.S. children and youth are low and sedentary behavior is high, suggesting that current infrastructure, policies, programs, and investments in support of children’s physical activity are not sufficient.


2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (s2) ◽  
pp. S195-S200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent O. Onywera ◽  
Stella K. Muthuri ◽  
Sylvester Hayker ◽  
Lucy-Joy M. Wachira ◽  
Florence Kyallo ◽  
...  

Background:Kenya’s 2016 report card aimed to highlight the health and well-being of Kenyan children and youth using the best available evidence on the physical activity of Kenyan children and youth. The report pointed at areas where Kenya was succeeding and areas where more action is required.Methods:Inclusive analyses of available data sources on the core indicators related to physical activity and body weights of Kenyan children and youth (5 to 17 years) were conducted. These were assigned grades based on a set of specific criteria.Results:Results show that Active Play, Active Transportation, Overweight and Obesity, and Sedentary Behavior were favorable with a grade of B. Overall Physical Activity, Organized Sport Participation, and School (infrastructure, policies, and programs) each received a grade of C, while Family and Peers, Government and Nongovernment organizations, as well as the Community and the Built Environment were assigned grade D.Conclusions:Over 72% of Kenyan children and youth use active transportation to and from school and in their daily lives. Although majority of the children and youth have normal body weight, there is need to ensure that they meet and maintain the physical activity levels recommended by the World Health Organization. More needs to be done especially in relation to the governmental and nongovernmental organizations, organized sports participation, as well as involvement of family and peers in promoting healthy active lifestyles among Kenyan children and youth. More representative data for all indicators are required in Kenya.


2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (s2) ◽  
pp. S213-S217 ◽  
Author(s):  
António Prista ◽  
Timoteo Daca ◽  
Francisco Tchonga ◽  
Eduardo Machava ◽  
Cremildo Macucule ◽  
...  

Background:This article describes the procedures and development of the 2016 Mozambican Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents.Methods:Following the procedures adopted in 2014 for that year’s report card, comprehensive searches on new data related to indicators of physical activity (PA) were done. A committee composed of physical activity and sports specialists graded each indicator consistent with the process and methodology outlined by the Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card model.Results:Nine indicators of PA were graded. Compared with 2014 there were several differences which were caused by changes in the country as well as a more effective evaluation from the committee. The following grades were assigned: Overall Physical Activity Levels, C; Organized Sport Participation, F; Active Play, D; Active Transportation, C; Schools, D; Community and the Built Environment, F; and Government, F. Sedentary Behaviors and Family and Peers were graded Incomplete due to the lack of available information.Conclusions:The decline of the PA habits in urban centers reported in 2014 are accentuated and is influencing the rural areas in several ways. At present, there is no strategy or effective action from authorities to reverse this negative trend.


Author(s):  
Sukys ◽  
Emeljanovas ◽  
Gruodyte-Raciene ◽  
Mieziene ◽  
Trinkuniene ◽  
...  

The Global Matrix 3.0 “Report Card” assessment of physical activity was developed to achieve a better understanding of the global variability in child and youth physical activity. Lithuania joined the Global Matrix 3.0. The aim of this article is to summarize the results of the first Lithuanian Report Card, which included 10 indicators, as representative of individual behaviors, sources, and settings of influence indicators, and a health-related characteristic. The grades for each indicator were based on the best available Lithuanian data. The findings showed poor Overall Physical Activity, Active Transportation (C−), and Family and Peers (D). Sedentary behavior was graded C−, and Organized Sport Participation, Community and Environment, and Government were graded C. Physical Fitness and School indicators received the highest grade (C+). The first Lithuanian Report Card on Physical Activity of Children and Youth shows that Lithuanian children and youth have less than satisfactory levels of organized physical activity, active transportation to and from school, community and built environments, and government strategies and investments. The low levels of support from family and peers require more attention from health promoters. There is a gap in the evidence about active play that should be addressed by researchers and policy makers.


2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (s2) ◽  
pp. S242-S245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Mota ◽  
Manuel João Coelho-e-Silva ◽  
Armando M. Raimundo ◽  
Luís B. Sardinha

Background:This article describes the procedures and development of the first Portuguese Report Card on Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents.Methods:Comprehensive searches for data related to indicators of physical activity (PA) were completed by a committee of physical activity and sports specialists. Grades were assigned to each indicator consistent with the process and methodology outlined by the Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card model.Results:Nine indicators of PA were graded. The following grades were assigned: Overall Physical Activity Levels, D; Organized Sport Participation, B; Active Play, D; Active Transportation, C; Sedentary Behaviors, D; Family and Peers, C; Schools, B; Community and the Built Environment, D; and Government, C.Conclusions:Portuguese children and adolescents do not reach sufficient physical activity levels and spend larger amounts of time spent in sedentary behaviors compared with recommendations. Effective policies of PA promotion and implementation are needed in different domains of young people’s daily lives.


2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (s1) ◽  
pp. S83-S87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralph Maddison ◽  
Leila Pfaeffli Dale ◽  
Samantha Marsh ◽  
Allana G. LeBlanc ◽  
Melody Oliver

Background:This brief report provides grades for the 2014 New Zealand Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. The Report Card presents a review of current evidence across 9 key indicators, including physical activity (PA), organized sport and free play, sedentary behavior, and community and government initiatives across New Zealand.Methods:Nationally representative survey data were collated by researchers at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, between June and December 2013. The grade for each indicator is based on the percentage of children and youth meeting a defined benchmark: A is 81%−100%; B is 61%−80%; C is 41%−60%, D is 21%−40%; F is 0%−20%; INC is incomplete data.Results:Overall PA received a score of B, as did Organized Sport Participation and Active Play. PA participation in School Environment scored slightly less with a score of B-. Sedentary Behaviors, Family and Peers, and Community and Built Environment scored a grade of C. Active transportation received a score of C-. An inconclusive grade was given for the Government indicator due to a lack of established international criteria for assessment.Conclusions:PA participation in New Zealand is satisfactory, but could improve. However, sedentary behavior is high. Of particular concern is the age-related decline in PA participation, particularly among adolescent females, and the increase in sedentary behavior.


2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (s2) ◽  
pp. S206-S212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karla I. Galaviz ◽  
Mabel Aguilar Arroyo ◽  
Inés González-Casanova ◽  
Martín Francisco González Villalobos ◽  
Alejandra Jáuregui ◽  
...  

Background:The 2016 Mexican Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth aims to assess how Mexico is doing in terms of providing physical activity (PA) opportunities for Mexican children and youth. The purpose of this article is to summarize results from the Mexican 2016 Report Card.Methods:A literature search was conducted in Spanish and English languages using major databases, and complemented with a review of government/nongovernment documents, websites, and national health surveys. Information on the 9 indicators outlined in the Global Matrix of Report Card Grades was extracted. A team of Mexican experts met to discuss and assign a grade on each indicator based on the best available evidence and established benchmarks.Results:Daily behaviors grades were Overall PA (C), Organized Sport Participation (D), Active Play (D-), Active Transportation (C), and Sedentary Behavior (D). For Settings and Sources of Influence, grades were Family and Peers (INC), School (D-), and Community and Environment (D). Strategies and Investments grades were Government Strategies (C) and Non-Government (F).Conclusions:PA and sedentary behaviors among Mexican children and youth remain below the recommended levels. Government and communities are far from providing appropriate and sufficient physical activity opportunities for children and youth.


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