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A review of physical activity levels of children from 38 countries

Simin Riyahi 1, Saied Rezaei 2, Nima Hamedchaman 3, Nader Hamedchaman4*.

1. Department of Sport physiology, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

2. State university of Tehran, PHD student in motor behavior.

3. Azad university of Tabriz, MA degree in physiology of sport.

4. State university of Urmia, MA degree in physiology of sport.

A network of researchers investigated the physical activity levels 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 integrated
developmental 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. The consolidated findings
are summarized in following diagram:

 Average grades for both Overall Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior around the world are “D” (low/poor).
 Countries with the most active children and youth overall, including Slovenia, New Zealand and Zimbabwe, rely on very
different approaches to get kids moving. What is consistent between all of them is that physical activity is driven by pervasive
cultural norms—being active is not just a choice, but a way of life.

 Lower income countries generally have better grades on active behaviors compared to higher income countries, yet worse grades
for related strategies, supports and investments. Fewer attractive sedentary pursuits and increased autonomy to play and roam
outdoors may be as important as infrastructure and structured activities to facilitate higher levels of childhood physical activity.

 Grades were generally lower in countries in Asia, North America and South America than countries in Africa, Europe and
Oceania.

(* corresponding Author/ Email: Nader.Hamedchaman@gmail.com/Mobile: 09381632748)


Automation, mechanization, urbanization, and digitization have reduced physical activity levels globally. Global efforts to manage
these trends are essential and extend beyond creating policies, strategies, facilities and programs to include the preservation and
promotion of physical and social habitats where being physically active year round, through park prescription, outdoor play,
transportation, recreation and sport, are the preferred and normative standard, not the exception. This is the contemporary global
challenge for all countries.

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