Determinants of Change in Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review
2011

Determinants of Change in Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents

Sample size: 46 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Craggs Christopher, Corder Kirsten, van Sluijs Esther M.F., Griffin Simon J.

Primary Institution: MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom

Hypothesis

What factors determine changes in physical activity levels among children and adolescents?

Conclusion

The review found that few variables were consistently associated with changes in physical activity, highlighting the need for further research.

Supporting Evidence

  • 31 of the 46 studies used self-reported physical activity.
  • 14 determinants were reported consistently across studies.
  • Girls aged 4-9 reported larger declines in physical activity than boys.
  • Higher self-efficacy was associated with smaller declines in physical activity.

Takeaway

This study looked at what makes kids more or less active over time, and found that some things, like feeling good about themselves, can help them stay active.

Methodology

The review included prospective quantitative studies that assessed changes in physical activity in children and adolescents aged 4-18 years.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the reliance on self-reported data and the inclusion of only published studies.

Limitations

The heterogeneity in study samples and reliance on self-reported physical activity limited the conclusions.

Participant Demographics

Children and adolescents aged 4-18 years, with a focus on various age groups.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1016/j.amepre.2011.02.025

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