Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents

What are the physical activity guidelines for children/young people (ages 5-18)? Does this differ in young people with disabilities?

• Moderate to vigorous physical activity for at least 60 mins every day.

• Vigorous activities: bone and muscle strengthening at least 3x per week.

• Minimise extended periods of sedentary behaviour.

Very similar guidelines in those with disabilities - at least 20 mins per day.

Explain the importance of physical activity in children/young people.

This is when behaviour patterns are established which has important implications on immediate and long-term health/well-being:

• Facilitates maintenance of high physical activity into adulthood.

• Helps to reduce risk of morbidity and mortality from chronic non-communicable diseases in adulthood.

• Reduces body fat, enhances cardio-metabolic health and psychological well-being.

Define structured and unstructured physical activity. Are there any threats inhibiting the ability to carry out structured physical activity?

• Unstructured - not purposefully structured/organised activity i.e. play - playground.

• Structured - organised activity time i.e. clubs, lessons etc.

Reduced access to green spaces and safe spaces threatens structured activity.

What do we know about the prevalence of physical activity levels in children?

Physical activity levels have remained relatively constant over the last few years, meaning children are not becoming more physically active.

It is engaged with more outside of school hours.

• Active (an average of 60+ mins per day) = 47.8%.

• Fairly active (30-59 mins per day) = 22.7%.

• Less active (<30 mins per day) = 29.6%.

How does age affect physical activity levels and why (include stats)?

• Lowest physical activity levels = years 3-4 (ages7-9) —> girls often hit puberty at this age.

• Highest physical activity levels = years 1-2.

How does inequality contribute to differences in physical activity levels?

• Gender: Boys are more likely to be active than girls - 51% compared to 45% - however, increased funding is allowing encouragement of girls in older years to engage more with sport.

• Ethnicity: non-white children are less likely to be active: Black (42%), Asian (43%) and other ethnicities (44%).

• Affluence: children from families of low affluence are less likely to be active (45%) —> reduced accessibility, perhaps don’t have their own space outside.

Activity levels are lowest in those with 2 or more inequalities.

What are some of the reasons for reductions in physical activity?

• Attitude/motivation - losing interest.

• Competence perception - lack of competence.

• Insufficient time

• Crossing gender boundaries - sports associated with a specific gender, body image.

• Influence of friends/family

• Environmental physical activity opportunities.

Why do we see differences in physical activity levels between the ages 8-12?

• Boys - better fitness and eye hand coordination (EHC) than girls as they participated more in sport —> spaces built more for boys, increased parental support and perception of competence compared to girls.

• Girls - have less favourable attributes for physical activity - lower cardiorespiratory fitness, higher body fat % and lower perceived competence in PE.

What are some possible interventions that can be implemented?

• Standing desks - improved task performance and reduces sitting time.

• The Daily Mile - students spend 15 mins walking/running at a self-selected pace during class time.

• Strategies to increase and maintain extracurricular sport participation rates particularly in girls.

• School-based and community-based interventions

In 2016, what was the prevalence of physical activity in ages 11-17?

81% of adolescents were classed as physically inactive - this was more evident in girls (84.7%) than boys (77.6%).

Why is adolescence important?

• This is when healthy behaviours are established and are carried through into adulthood.

• This is when the first major decline in physical activity is observed - increased sitting time.

What are the health consequences of inactivity?

• Obesity

• Increase in diabetes (secondary health problem)

• Negative impacts on mental health.

What are the maintainers vs. decliner of physical activity during adolescence?

Maintainers:

• Supportive social environments

• Feelings of competence

• Attractiveness

Decliners:

• Negative social validation

• Poor social support

• Access barriers

Why are adolescent girls less active than boys?

• Lack of time - increased social/family obligations

• Perceived lack of competence

• Discomfort during/after physical activity

• Lack of support

• Participation costs

• Safety concerns in outdoor areas.

Define the ‘Diffusion of Innovations’ theory.

Social influencers amongst a group are able to cause a change in beliefs, attitudes and ultimately behaviour.

Define ‘self-determination’ theory.

A theory that human motivation needs development of autonomy, competence and relatedness.

How can physical activity be approached in adolescents not in formal education?

• Requires non school-based physical activity.

• eHealth/mHealth based interventions - utilises the internet and mobile phones to reach these students.