scholarly journals Indicators of Physical Activity Among Children and Youth in 9 Countries With Low to Medium Human Development Indices: A Global Matrix 3.0 Paper

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (s2) ◽  
pp. S274-S283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taru Manyanga ◽  
Joel D. Barnes ◽  
Chalchisa Abdeta ◽  
Ade F. Adeniyi ◽  
Jasmin Bhawra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Human Development ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Report Cards ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Global Indices ◽  
Sources Of Influence

Background: This study compares results of physical activity report cards from 9 countries with low to medium human development indices, participating in the Global Matrix 3.0 initiative. Methods: Country-specific report cards were informed by relevant data and government policy documents, reporting on 10 core indicators of physical activity for children and youth. Data were synthesized by report card working groups following a harmonized process. Grade assignments for each indicator utilized a standard grading rubric. Indicators were grouped into one of 2 categories: daily behaviors and settings and sources of influence. Descriptive statistics (average grades) were computed after letter grades were converted into interval variables. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were calculated for all correlation analyses. Results: Mean grades for daily behaviors were higher (C) than those for settings and sources of influence (D+). Twenty-nine out of the possible 90 grades were assigned an incomplete. There were moderate to strong positive and negative relationships between different global indices and overall physical activity, organized sport and physical activity, active play, family, community and environment, and government. Conclusions: Findings demonstrate an urgent need for high-quality data at the country level in order to better characterize the physical activity levels of children and youth in countries with low to medium human development indices.

scholarly journals Report Card Grades on the Physical Activity of Children and Youth Comparing 30 Very High Human Development Index Countries

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (s2) ◽  
pp. S298-S314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salomé Aubert ◽  
Joel D. Barnes ◽  
Nicolas Aguilar-Farias ◽  
Greet Cardon ◽  
Chen-Kang Chang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Human Development ◽  
Human Development Index ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Report Cards ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Development Index ◽  
Very High

Background: To better understand the childhood physical inactivity crisis, Report Cards on physical activity of children and youth were prepared concurrently in 30 very high Human Development Index countries. The aim of this article was to present, describe, and compare the findings from these Report Cards. Methods: The Report Cards were developed using a harmonized process for data gathering, assessing, and assigning grades to 10 common physical activity indicators. Descriptive statistics were calculated after converting letter grades to interval variables, and correlational analyses between the 10 common indicators were performed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients. Results: A matrix of 300 grades was obtained with substantial variations within and between countries. Low grades were observed for behavioral indicators, and higher grades were observed for sources of influence indicators, indicating a disconnect between supports and desired behaviors. Conclusion: This analysis summarizes the level and context of the physical activity of children and youth among very high Human Development Index countries, and provides additional evidence that the situation regarding physical activity in children and youth is very concerning. Unless a major shift to a more active lifestyle happens soon, a high rate of noncommunicable diseases can be anticipated when this generation of children reaches adulthood.

scholarly journals Report Card Grades on the Physical Activity of Children and Youth From 10 Countries With High Human Development Index: Global Matrix 3.0

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (s2) ◽  
pp. S284-S297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia A. González ◽  
Joel D. Barnes ◽  
Patrick Abi Nader ◽  
Dolores Susana Andrade Tenesaca ◽  
Javier Brazo-Sayavera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Human Development ◽  
Human Development Index ◽  
Report Card ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Report Cards ◽  
Global Alliance ◽  
Development Index ◽  
Average Grade ◽  
Report Card Grades

Background: The Global Matrix 3.0 brings together the Report Card grades for 10 physical activity indicators for children and youth from 49 countries. This study describes and compares the Global Matrix 3.0 findings among 10 countries with high Human Development Index. Methods: Report Cards on physical activity indicators were developed by each country following a harmonized process. Countries informed their Report Cards with the best and most recent evidence available. Indicators were graded using a common grading rubric and benchmarks established by the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance. A database of grades from the countries was compiled, and letter grades were converted to numerical equivalents. Descriptive statistics and scores for groups of indicators were calculated, and correlation analyses were conducted. Results: Grades for the 10 countries clustered around “D” ranging from “F” to “B+.” Active Transportation had the highest average grade (“C”), whereas Overall Physical Activity had the lowest average grade (“D-”). Low grades were observed for both behavioral and sources of influence indicators. Conclusions: In the context of social and economical changes of high- Human Development Index countries, urgent actions to increase physical activity among children and youth are required. Surveillance and monitoring efforts are required to fill research gaps.

scholarly journals The International Impact of the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance Physical Activity Report Cards for Children and Youth

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. 679-697 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salomé Aubert ◽  
Joel D. Barnes ◽  
Megan L. Forse ◽  
Evan Turner ◽  
Silvia A. González ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
World Health ◽  
Report Cards ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Global Alliance ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
The Impact

Background: In response to growing concerns over high levels of physical inactivity among young people, the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance developed a series of national Report Cards on physical activity for children and youth to advocate for the promotion of physical activity. This article provides updated evidence of the impact of the Report Cards on powering the movement to get children and youth moving globally. Methods: This assessment was performed using quantitative and qualitative sources of information, including surveys, peer-reviewed publications, e-mails, gray literature, and other sources. Results: Although it is still too early to observe a positive change in physical activity levels among children and youth, an impact on raising awareness and capacity building in the national and international scientific community, disseminating information to the general population and stakeholders, and on powering the movement to get kids moving has been observed. Conclusions: It is hoped that the Report Card activities will initiate a measurable shift in the physical activity levels of children and contribute to achieving the 4 strategic objectives of the World Health Organization Global Action Plan as follows: creating an active society, creating active environments, creating active lives, and creating active systems.

scholarly journals Results from Australia’s 2014 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (s1) ◽  
pp. S21-S25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natasha Schranz ◽  
Tim Olds ◽  
Dylan Cliff ◽  
Melanie Davern ◽  
Lina Engelen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Report Card ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Organized Sport ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Social Environmental ◽  
Research Working Group ◽  
Key Indicators

Background:Like many other countries, Australia is facing an inactivity epidemic. The purpose of the Australian 2014 Physical Activity Report Card initiative was to assess the behaviors, settings, and sources of influences and strategies and investments associated with the physical activity levels of Australian children and youth.Methods:A Research Working Group (RWG) drawn from experts around Australia collaborated to determine key indicators, assess available datasets, and the metrics which should be used to inform grades for each indicator and factors to consider when weighting the data. The RWG then met to evaluate the synthesized data to assign a grade to each indicator.Results:Overall Physical Activity Levels were assigned a grade of D-. Other physical activity behaviors were also graded as less than average (D to D-), while Organized Sport and Physical Activity Participation was assigned a grade of B-. The nation performed better for settings and sources of influence and Government Strategies and Investments (A- to a C). Four incompletes were assigned due to a lack of representative quality data.Conclusions:Evidence suggests that physical activity levels of Australian children remain very low, despite moderately supportive social, environmental and regulatory environments. There are clear gaps in the research which need to be filled and consistent data collection methods need to be put into place.

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.

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.

scholarly journals Trends and measurement issues for active transportation in New Zealand's physical activity report cards for children and youth

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 100789 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melody Smith ◽  
Erika Ikeda ◽  
Scott Duncan ◽  
Ralph Maddison ◽  
Erica Hinckson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Active Transportation ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Report Cards ◽  
Measurement Issues ◽  
Activity Report

scholarly journals Global Matrix 2.0: Report Card Grades on the Physical Activity of Children and Youth Comparing 38 Countries

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (s2) ◽  
pp. S343-S366 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark S. Tremblay ◽  
Joel D. Barnes ◽  
Silvia A. González ◽  
Peter T. Katzmarzyk ◽  
Vincent O. Onywera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Built Environment ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Active Transportation ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Report Cards ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Global Alliance ◽  
Active Play

The Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance organized the concurrent preparation of Report Cards on the physical activity of children and youth in 38 countries from 6 continents (representing 60% of the world’s population). Nine common indicators were used (Overall Physical Activity, Organized Sport Participation, Active Play, Active Transportation, Sedentary Behavior, Family and Peers, School, Community and the Built Environment, and Government Strategies and Investments), and all Report Cards were generated through a harmonized development process and a standardized grading framework (from A = excellent, to F = failing). The 38 Report Cards were presented at the International Congress on Physical Activity and Public Health in Bangkok, Thailand on November 16, 2016. The consolidated findings are summarized in the form of a Global Matrix demonstrating substantial variation in grades both within and across countries. Countries that lead in certain indicators often lag in others. Average grades for both Overall Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior around the world are D (low/poor). In contrast, the average grade for indicators related to supports for physical activity was C. Lower-income countries generally had better grades on Overall Physical Activity, Active Transportation, and Sedentary Behaviors compared with higher-income countries, yet worse grades for supports from Family and Peers, Community and the Built Environment, and Government Strategies and Investments. Average grades for all indicators combined were highest (best) in Denmark, Slovenia, and the Netherlands. Many surveillance and research gaps were apparent, especially for the Active Play and Family and Peers indicators. International cooperation and cross-fertilization is encouraged to address existing challenges, understand underlying determinants, conceive innovative solutions, and mitigate the global childhood inactivity crisis. The paradox of higher physical activity and lower sedentary behavior in countries reporting poorer infrastructure, and lower physical activity and higher sedentary behavior in countries reporting better infrastructure, suggests that autonomy to play, travel, or chore requirements and/or fewer attractive sedentary pursuits, rather than infrastructure and structured activities, may facilitate higher levels of physical activity.

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.

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