scholarly journals Australia and Other Nations Are Failing to Meet Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for Children: Implications and a Way Forward

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leon Straker ◽  
Erin Kaye Howie ◽  
Dylan Paul Cliff ◽  
Melanie T. Davern ◽  
Lina Engelen ◽  
...  

Background:Australia has joined a growing number of nations that have evaluated the physical activity and sedentary behavior status of their children. Australia received a “D minus” in the first Active Healthy Kids Australia Physical Activity Report Card.Methods:An expert subgroup of the Australian Report Card Research Working Group iteratively reviewed available evidence to answer 3 questions: (a) What are the main sedentary behaviors of children? (b) What are the potential mechanisms for sedentary behavior to impact child health and development? and (c) What are the effects of different types of sedentary behaviors on child health and development?Results:Neither sedentary time nor screen time is a homogeneous activity likely to result in homogenous effects. There are several mechanisms by which various sedentary behaviors may positively or negatively affect cardiometabolic, neuromusculoskeletal, and psychosocial health, though the strength of evidence varies. National surveillance systems and mechanistic, longitudinal, and experimental studies are needed for Australia and other nations to improve their grade.Conclusions:Despite limitations, available evidence is sufficiently convincing that the total exposure and pattern of exposure to sedentary behaviors are critical to the healthy growth, development, and wellbeing of children. Nations therefore need strategies to address these common behaviors.

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (s2) ◽  
pp. S279-S283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blanca Roman-Viñas ◽  
Jorge Marin ◽  
Mairena Sánchez-López ◽  
Susana Aznar ◽  
Rosaura Leis ◽  
...  

Background:The first Active Healthy Kids Spanish Report Card aims to gather the most robust information about physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior of children and adolescents.Methods:A Research Working Group of experts on PA and sport sciences was convened. A comprehensive data search, based on a review of the literature, dissertations, gray literature, and experts’ nonpublished data, was conducted to identify the best sources to grade each indicator following the procedures and methodology outlined by the Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card model.Results:Overall PA (based on objective and self-reported methods) was graded as D-, Organized Sports Participation as B, Active Play as C+, Active Transportation as C, Sedentary Behavior as D, School as C, and Family and Peers as Incomplete, Community and the Built Environment as Incomplete, and Government as Incomplete.Conclusions:Spanish children and adolescents showed low levels of adherence to PA and sedentary behavior guidelines, especially females and adolescents. There is a need to achieve consensus and harmonize methods to evaluate PA and sedentary behavior to monitor changes over time and to evaluate the effectiveness of policies to promote PA.


2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (s2) ◽  
pp. S95-S103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne I. Wijtzes ◽  
Maïté Verloigne ◽  
Alexandre Mouton ◽  
Marc Cloes ◽  
Karin A.A. De Ridder ◽  
...  

Background:This 2016 Belgium Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth is the first systematic evaluation of physical activity (PA) behaviors, related health behaviors, health outcomes, and influences thereon, using the Active Healthy Kids Canada grading framework.Methods:A research working group consisting of PA experts from both Flanders and Wallonia collaborated to determine the indicators to be graded, data sources to be used, and factors to be taken into account during the grading process. Grades were finalized after consensus was reached among the research working group and 2 stakeholder groups consisting of academic and policy experts in the fields of PA, sedentary behavior, and dietary behavior.Results:Eleven indicators were selected and assigned the following grades: Overall PA (F+), Organized Sport Participation (C-), Active Play (C+), Active Transportation (C-), Sedentary Behaviors (D-), School (B-), Government Strategies and Investment (C+), and Weight Status (D). Incomplete grades were assigned to Family and Peers, Community and the Built Environment, and Dietary Behaviors due to a lack of nationally representative data.Conclusions:Despite moderately positive social and environmental influences, PA levels of Belgian children and youth are low while levels of sedentary behaviors are high.


2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (s2) ◽  
pp. S87-S94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natasha K. Schranz ◽  
Timothy Olds ◽  
Roslyn Boyd ◽  
John Evans ◽  
Sjaan R. Gomersall ◽  
...  

Background:Two years on from the inaugural Active Healthy Kids Australia (AHKA) Physical Activity Report Card, there has been little to no change with the majority of Australian children still insufficiently active.Methods:The 2016 AHKA Report Card was developed using the best available national- and state-based physical activity data, which were evaluated by the AHKA Research Working Group using predetermined weighting criteria and benchmarks to assign letter grades to the 12 Report Card indicators.Results:In comparison with 2014, Overall Physical Activity Levels was again assigned a D- with Organized Sport and Physical Activity Participation increasing to a B (was B-) and Active Transport declining to a C- (was C). The settings and sources of influence again performed well (A- to a C+), however Government Strategies and Investments saw a decline (C+ to a D). The traits associated with physical activity were also graded poorly (C- to a D).Conclusions:Australian youth are insufficiently active and engage in high levels of screen-based sedentary behaviors. While a range of support structures exist, Australia lacks an overarching National Physical Activity Plan that would unify the country and encourage the cultural shift needed to face the inactivity crisis head on.


2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (s1) ◽  
pp. S113-S125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark S. Tremblay ◽  
Casey E. Gray ◽  
Kingsley Akinroye ◽  
Dierdre M. Harrington ◽  
Peter T. Katzmarzyk ◽  
...  

The Active Healthy Kids Canada (AHKC) Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth has been effective in powering the movement to get kids moving by influencing priorities, policies, and practice in Canada. The AHKC Report Card process was replicated in 14 additional countries from 5 continents using 9 common indicators (Overall Physical Activity, Organized Sport Participation, Active Play, Active Transportation, Sedentary Behavior, Family and Peers, School, Community and Built Environment, and Government Strategies and Investments), a harmonized process and a standardized grading framework. The 15 Report Cards were presented at the Global Summit on the Physical Activity of Children in Toronto on May 20, 2014. The consolidated findings are summarized here in the form of a global matrix of grades. There is a large spread in grades across countries for most indicators. Countries that lead in certain indicators lag in others. Overall, the grades for indicators of physical activity (PA) around the world are low/poor. Many countries have insufficient information to assign a grade, particularly for the Active Play and Family and Peers indicators. Grades for Sedentary Behaviors are, in general, better in low income countries. The Community and Built Environment indicator received high grades in high income countries and notably lower grades in low income countries. There was a pattern of higher PA and lower sedentary behavior in countries reporting poorer infrastructure, and lower PA and higher sedentary behavior in countries reporting better infrastructure, which presents an interesting paradox. Many surveillance and research gaps and weaknesses were apparent. International cooperation and cross-fertilization is encouraged to tackle existing challenges, understand underlying mechanisms, derive innovative solutions, and overcome the expanding childhood inactivity crisis.


2006 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 365-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew E. Springer ◽  
Deanna M. Hoelscher ◽  
Steven H. Kelder

Background:Geographic differences in the prevalence of physical activity (PA) have been found among adults in the US; similar studies have not been conducted among adolescents.Methods:Using nationally representative cross-sectional data from the CDC’s 2003 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, we estimated the prevalence of PA and sedentary behaviors by metropolitan status and geographic region.Results:The prevalence of PA was lowest and prevalence of sedentary behavior highest for urban students. Students from the South reported the lowest prevalence of PA and the highest prevalence of TV watching, while students from the West generally reported the highest PA prevalence and lowest sedentary behavior prevalence. Prevalence differences ranged from < 1.0% to > 15%, with most differences falling between 5% and 10%.Conclusions:Findings mirror regional variations previously observed in adult PA. We need to understand factors that contribute to lower PA in youth living in the South and in urban settings.


2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (s1) ◽  
pp. S45-S50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martyn Standage ◽  
Hannah J. Wilkie ◽  
Russell Jago ◽  
Charlie Foster ◽  
Mary A. Goad ◽  
...  

Background:The Active Healthy Kids 2014 England Report Card aims to provide a systematic assessment of how England is performing in relation to engaging and facilitating physical activity (PA) in children and young people.Methods:The systematic methods and processes that underpin the Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card were used and adapted. Data and evidence were consolidated, reviewed by a panel of content experts, and used to inform the assignment of letter grades (A, B, C, D, F) to 9 core indicators related to PA.Results:Children’s Overall Physical Activity received a grade of C/D. Active Transportation and Organized Sport Participation received grades of C and C-, respectively. The indicators of School and Community and the Built Environment were graded favorable with grades of A- and B, respectively. Active Play, Sedentary Behaviors, Family and Peers, and Government Strategies and Investments were graded as INC (incomplete) due to a lack of nationally representative data and/or as a result of data not mapping onto the benchmarks used to assign the grades.Conclusions:Substantial provision for PA opportunities in England exists. Yet more effort is required to maximize use of these resources to increase PA participation.


2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (s2) ◽  
pp. S284-S290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Delisle Nyström ◽  
Christel Larsson ◽  
Bettina Ehrenblad ◽  
Hanna Eneroth ◽  
Ulf Eriksson ◽  
...  

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.


2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (s1) ◽  
pp. S74-S78 ◽  
Author(s):  
María del Pilar Rodriguez Martinez ◽  
Karla I. Galaviz ◽  
Edtna Jauregui Ulloa ◽  
Ines Gonzalez-Casanova ◽  
Juan Ricardo Lopez y Taylor

Background:The Mexican Report Card on Physical Activity in children and youth was first developed in 2012 as a tool aimed at informing policy and practice. The objective of this paper is to update the Report Card to reflect the current situation in Mexico.Methods:A literature search was conducted in Spanish and English using major databases, and complemented with government documents and national health surveys. Information on the 9 indicators outlined in the Global Matrix of Report Card Grades was extracted. Experts from Mexico and Canada met to discuss and assign a grade on each indicator.Results:The physical activity indicator was assigned a C+, which was higher than in the previous report card. Sedentary behavior was assigned a D, which was lower than the previous report card. Organized Sports and Active Transportation, which were not graded in the previous report card, were assigned grades of D and B-, respectively. Government and Built Environment were assigned grades of C and F, respectively. Family and Peers and Active Play were not graded (INC).Conclusions:Levels of PA and sedentary behaviors among Mexican children and youth were below the respective recommended references. The implementation and effectiveness of current government strategies need to be determined. The Mexican Report Card is a promising knowledge translation tool that can serve to inform policies and programs related to physical activity.


Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 129 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather A McGrane Minton ◽  
Kelly Thevenet-Morrison ◽  
I. Diana Fernandez

Background: Sedentary behaviors (SB) are activities associated with prolonged time periods of sitting, reclining, or laying down during waking hours. While the relation between SB and physical activity is complex, the common consensus is that SB is not the absence of physical activity and consists of its own determinants posing distinct health outcomes. These behaviors are of significant public health importance as the majority of Americans spend much of their days in SB and due to the increased risks of morbidity and mortality associated with SB. Adverse health outcomes associated with SB include cardiovascular disease, obesity, metabolic syndrome, hypertension and mortality. Television-viewing time and total sitting time have both been used widely to assess time spent in SB and therefore we hypothesize that TV-viewing time and total hours sitting will have high concordance and can be used interchangeably to represent sedentary behaviors. Methods: Using a sample (n = 2858) from the Images of a Healthy Worksite study, a group-randomized control trial involving nutrition and physical activity, the current study assessed how two different tools measured time spent in SB. Tertiles were created based upon the distribution of hours sitting and hours spent TV-vewing. Weighted Kappa statistics were used to measure concordance between hours of TV-viewing and total hours of time spent sitting for the entire sample and for subgroup analyses. Results: Weighted Kappa statistics for tertiles of hours sitting and tv hours were 0.0046, indicating little agreement on the television and the sitting items. Kappa w statistics for BMI categories also showed poor agreement (obese Kappa w = 0.02, overweight Kappa w = 0.002, and healthy subjects Kappa w = 0.006. The Kappa w statistics for males and females were -0.006 and 0.02, respectively. Kappa w statistics for the intervention group (Kappa w = 0.007) and for the control group (Kappa w = 0.0005) also showed little agreement. Conclusions: These results suggest that although commonly used, using television viewing time and total time spent sitting as interchangeable markers of SB, is not a valid assumption. We propose that total time spent sitting and hours spent television-viewing represent different domains within the construct of sedentary behavior. It is important for future researchers to use measures of sedentary behavior that capture the numerous domains involved in measuring SB to allow for the most sensitive measurement of this high-risk behavior.


2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 595-601 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura D. Ellingson ◽  
Andrew Zaman ◽  
Elizabeth L. Stegemöller

Background. Sedentary behavior is a growing public health concern and may have particular relevance for the Parkinson disease (PD) population. However, the influence of sedentary time on factors associated with quality of life (QOL) in PD is unknown. The primary purpose of this study was to examine relationships between sedentary behaviors and markers of PD-specific QOL. A secondary purpose was to examine relationships between physical activity behaviors and QOL. Methods. We assessed sedentary and active behaviors using objective and interview measures and examined relationships between these behaviors and a measure of PD-specific QOL in individuals with PD. Results. Results demonstrated that sedentary time was significantly related to several aspects of QOL, including perceived deficits in the domains of mobility, cognitive processing, and communication. Additionally, results showed that time spent watching television was more strongly associated with lower levels of QOL than other more engaging sedentary activities. For physical activity, relationships between objective measures and QOL were weaker and only significantly associated with mobility. Time spent doing housework was associated with lower levels of QOL, whereas time spent in recreational activity was associated with lower levels of discomfort. Discussion. These results suggest that targeting decreases in sedentary behaviors (eg, reducing time spent watching television, breaking up prolonged bouts of sedentary time) may be effective for improving QOL in individuals with PD.


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