Increasing Physical Activity in Children and Young People
Author Information
Author(s): Arufe-Giráldez Víctor, Pereira Loureiro Javier, Groba González María Betania, Nieto Riveiro Laura, Canosa Domínguez Nereida María, Miranda-Duro María del Carmen, Concheiro Moscoso Patricia, Rodríguez-Padín Rocío, Roibal Pravio Javier, Lagos Rodríguez Manuel, Ramos-Álvarez Oliver, Jürimäe Jaak
Primary Institution: University of A Coruña
Hypothesis
This article aims to compile all the contexts and scenarios where it is possible to increase the levels of daily physical activity of children and young people, and which have significant scientific support.
Conclusion
A coordinated approach between schools, families, and communities is necessary to ensure that children and youth reach adequate levels of physical activity, improving their physical health, mental well-being, and cognitive development.
Supporting Evidence
- Low levels of physical activity in children can lead to obesity and mental health problems.
- Physical activity has preventive and rehabilitative functions for various health issues.
- Only 1 hour of daily physical activity in childhood can reduce the probability of mental health problems in adulthood.
- 84% of children do not comply with WHO recommendations for physical activity.
- Active families and home-centered interventions can significantly influence children's activity levels.
Takeaway
Kids need to move more to be healthy, and we can help them by making sure they have fun ways to be active at school, home, and in their neighborhoods.
Methodology
A literature review was conducted examining four key contexts for intervention: school, extracurricular, family, and socio-community.
Potential Biases
Bias in literature reviews is always present, despite efforts to minimize it.
Limitations
Possible bias in the selection of articles may exist, and some relevant works may not have been referenced.
Participant Demographics
The review included a sample of more than 7000 children from 33 different countries.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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