Results from the United States’ 2014 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (s1) ◽  
pp. S105-S112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kara N. Dentro ◽  
Kim Beals ◽  
Scott E. Crouter ◽  
Joey C. Eisenmann ◽  
Thomas L. McKenzie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
United States ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Comprehensive Evaluation ◽  
The United States ◽  
Report Card ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

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.

Results from Canada’s 2014 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 ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Report Card ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Organized Sport ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Sources Of Influence

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.

scholarly journals Results From England’s 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (s2) ◽  
pp. S143-S149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Wilkie ◽  
Martyn Standage ◽  
Lauren Sherar ◽  
Sean Cumming ◽  
Caley Parnell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Report Card ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Active Play ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Children’S Physical Activity

Background:Regular physical activity improves physical and mental health, yet children’s physical activity levels were low in England’s 2014 Report Card. Within this paper, we update the 2014 Report Card to assess current information for the 9 indicators of physical activity.Methods:A search for nationally representative data on 9 indicators of physical activity was conducted and the data were assessed by an expert panel. The panel assigned grades [ie, A, B, C, D, F, or INC (incomplete)] to each indicator based on whether children across England were achieving specific benchmarks. The 2016 Report Card was produced and disseminated.Results:The following grades were awarded: Overall Physical Activity Levels: D-; Organized Sport Participation: D; Active Play: INC; Active Transportation: C-; Sedentary Behaviors: INC; Family and Peers: INC; School: B+; Community and the Built Environment: B; Government Strategies and Investment: INC.Conclusions:The grades have not improved since the 2014 Report Card and several gaps in the literature are still present. While children’s physical activity levels remain low alongside competing sedentary choices, further national plans and investment with local actions are urgently needed to promote physical activity especially via active play, active transport, and family support.

scholarly journals Results From Portugal’s 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (s2) ◽  
pp. S242-S245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Mota ◽  
Manuel João Coelho-e-Silva ◽  
Armando M. Raimundo ◽  
Luís B. Sardinha
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Report Card ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Organized Sport ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Card Model

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.

scholarly journals Effects of trees, gardens, and nature trails on heat index and child health: design and methods of the Green Schoolyards Project

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Lanza ◽  
Melody Alcazar ◽  
Deanna M. Hoelscher ◽  
Harold W. Kohl
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
United States ◽  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Air Temperature ◽  
The United States ◽  
Heat Index ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Natural Setting ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Nature Trails

Abstract Background Latinx children in the United States are at high risk for nature-deficit disorder, heat-related illness, and physical inactivity. We developed the Green Schoolyards Project to investigate how green features—trees, gardens, and nature trails—in school parks impact heat index (i.e., air temperature and relative humidity) within parks, and physical activity levels and socioemotional well-being of these children. Herein, we present novel methods for a) observing children’s interaction with green features and b) measuring heat index and children’s behaviors in a natural setting, and a selection of baseline results. Methods During two September weeks (high temperature) and one November week (moderate temperature) in 2019, we examined three joint-use elementary school parks in Central Texas, United States, serving predominantly low-income Latinx families. To develop thermal profiles for each park, we installed 10 air temperature/relative humidity sensors per park, selecting sites based on land cover, land use, and even spatial coverage. We measured green features within a geographic information system. In a cross-sectional study, we used an adapted version of System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) to assess children’s physical activity levels and interactions with green features. In a cohort study, we equipped 30 3rd and 30 4th grade students per school during recess with accelerometers and Global Positioning System devices, and surveyed these students regarding their connection to nature. Baseline analyses included inverse distance weighting for thermal profiles and summing observed counts of children interacting with trees. Results In September 2019, average daily heat index ranged 2.0 °F among park sites, and maximum daily heat index ranged from 103.4 °F (air temperature = 33.8 °C; relative humidity = 55.2%) under tree canopy to 114.1 °F (air temperature = 37.9 °C; relative humidity = 45.2%) on an unshaded playground. 10.8% more girls and 25.4% more boys interacted with trees in September than in November. Conclusions We found extreme heat conditions at select sites within parks, and children positioning themselves under trees during periods of high heat index. These methods can be used by public health researchers and practitioners to inform the redesign of greenspaces in the face of climate change and health inequities.

scholarly journals Results From Sweden’s 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (s2) ◽  
pp. S284-S290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Delisle Nyström ◽  
Christel Larsson ◽  
Bettina Ehrenblad ◽  
Hanna Eneroth ◽  
Ulf Eriksson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Report Card ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Related Data ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Almost All

Background:The 2016 Swedish Report Card on Physical Activity (PA) for Children and Youth is a unique compilation of the existing physical and health related data in Sweden. The aim of this article is to summarize the procedure and results from the report card.Methods:Nationally representative surveys and individual studies published between 2005–2015 were included. Eleven PA and health indicators were graded using the Active Healthy Kids Canada grading system. Grades were assigned based on the percentage of children/youth meeting a defined benchmark (A: 81% to 100%, B: 61% to 80%, C: 41% to 60%, D: 21% to 40%, F: 0% to 20%, or incomplete (INC).Results:The assigned grades were Overall Physical Activity, D; Organized Sport Participation, B+; Active Play, INC; Active Transportation, C+; Sedentary Behaviors, C; Family and Peers, INC; School, C+; Community and the Built Environment, B; Government Strategies and Investments, B; Diet, C-; and Obesity, D.Conclusions:The included data provides some support that overall PA is too low and sedentary behavior is too high for almost all age groups in Sweden, even with the many national policies as well as an environment that is favorable to the promotion of PA.

scholarly journals Results From South Africa’s 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (s2) ◽  
pp. S265-S273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika Uys ◽  
Susan Bassett ◽  
Catherine E. Draper ◽  
Lisa Micklesfield ◽  
Andries Monyeki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Sports Participation ◽  
School Nutrition ◽  
Report Card ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors

Background:We present results of the 2016 Healthy Active Kids South Africa (HAKSA) Report Card on the current status of physical activity (PA) and nutrition in South African youth. The context in which we interpret the findings is that participation in PA is a fundamental human right, along with the right to “attainment of the highest standard of health.”Methods:The HAKSA 2016 Writing Group was comprised of 33 authorities in physical education, exercise science, nutrition, public health, and journalism. The search strategy was based on peer-reviewed manuscripts, dissertations, and ‘gray’ literature. The core PA indicators are Overall Physical Activity Level; Organized Sport Participation; Active and Outdoor Play; Active Transportation; Sedentary Behaviors; Family and Peer Influences; School; Community and the Built Environment; and National Government Policy, Strategies, and Investment. In addition, we reported on Physical Fitness and Motor Proficiency separately. We also reported on nutrition indicators including Overweight and Under-nutrition along with certain key behaviors such as Fruit and Vegetable Intake, and policies and programs including School Nutrition Programs and Tuck Shops. Data were extracted and grades assigned after consensus was reached. Grades were assigned to each indicator ranging from an A, succeeding with a large majority of children and youth (81% to 100%); B, succeeding with well over half of children and youth (61% to 80%); C, succeeding with about half of children and youth (41% to 60%); D, succeeding with less than half but some children and youth (21% to 40%); and F, succeeding with very few children and youth (0% to 20%); INC is inconclusive.Results:Overall PA levels received a C grade, as we are succeeding with more than 50% of children meeting recommendations. Organized Sports Participation also received a C, and Government Policies remain promising, receiving a B. Screen time and sedentary behavior were a major concern. Under- and over-weight were highlighted and, as overweight is on the rise, received a D grade.Conclusions:In particular, issues of food security, obesogenic environments, and access to activity-supportive environments should guide social mobilization downstream and policy upstream. There is an urgent need for practice-based evidence based on evaluation of existing, scaled up interventions.

Physical activity levels and differences in the prevalence of diabetes between the United States and Canada☆

2010 ◽  
Vol 50 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 241-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuanping Zhang ◽  
Linda S. Geiss ◽  
Carl J. Caspersen ◽  
Yiling J. Cheng ◽  
Michael M. Engelgau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
United States ◽  
The United States ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

scholarly journals Results from the Active Healthy Kids Canada 2011 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

2012 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 793-797 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel D. Barnes ◽  
Rachel C. Colley ◽  
Mark S. Tremblay
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Report Card ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

The Active Healthy Kids Canada 2011 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth assesses how Canada is doing as a country at promoting and facilitating physical activity opportunities for children and youth. The aim of this brief communication is to provide a summary of the results. Twenty-three physical activity indicators were graded. The physical activity levels indicator received an “F” for the fifth consecutive year, and little improvement was seen across most indicators.

scholarly journals Results From Kenya’s 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (s2) ◽  
pp. S195-S200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent O. Onywera ◽  
Stella K. Muthuri ◽  
Sylvester Hayker ◽  
Lucy-Joy M. Wachira ◽  
Florence Kyallo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Sports Participation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Report Card ◽  
Active Transportation ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
World Health ◽  
Activity Levels

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.

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