Background: The Global Matrix 4.0 on physical activity (PA) for children and adolescents was developed to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the global variation in children’s and adolescents’ (5–17 y) PA, related measures, and key sources of influence. The objectives of this article were (1) to summarize the findings from the Global Matrix 4.0 Report Cards, (2) to compare indicators across countries, and (3) to explore trends related to the Human Development Index and geo-cultural regions. Methods: A total of 57 Report Card teams followed a harmonized process to grade the 10 common PA indicators. An online survey was conducted to collect Report Card Leaders’ top 3 priorities for each PA indicator and their opinions on how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted child and adolescent PA indicators in their country. Results: Overall Physical Activity was the indicator with the lowest global average grade (D), while School and Community and Environment were the indicators with the highest global average grade (C+). An overview of the global situation in terms of surveillance and prevalence is provided for all 10 common PA indicators, followed by priorities and examples to support the development of strategies and policies internationally. Conclusions: The Global Matrix 4.0 represents the largest compilation of children’s and adolescents’ PA indicators to date. While variation in data sources informing the grades across countries was observed, this initiative highlighted low PA levels in children and adolescents globally. Measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, local/international conflicts, climate change, and economic change threaten to worsen this situation.

Background Previous studies found that exercise interventions have positive effects on executive functions of the general population. However, studies seldom target executive functions of children and adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to synthesise empirical studies regarding the effects of exercise interventions on executive functions of children and adolescents with ADHD. Methods A systematic search of the relevant literature was conducted in March 2020 through six electronic databases: CINAHL Complete, Eric, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, SPORTDiscus with Full Text, and Web of Science. Randomised controlled trials/quasi-experimental designs that applied exercise interventions and assessed executive functions through neurocognitive tasks among children and adolescents with ADHD were included. Altogether, 314 studies were identified, from which 31 full texts were independently assessed by two authors for eligibility. Finally, 21 studies underwent systematic reviews and 15 were selected for meta-analysis. Data extraction procedures and risk of bias analysis were conducted by two independent authors using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Results The findings indicated that exercise interventions improved overall executive functions of children and adolescents with ADHD (SMD = 0.611, 95% CI [0.386 to 0.836], p < 0.01). Exercise interventions had a moderate-to-large positive effect on inhibitory control (g = 0.761, 95% CI [0.376 to 1.146], p < 0.01) and cognitive flexibility (g = 0.780, 95% CI [0.331 to 1.228], p < 0.001). Likewise, during the subgroup analysis, intervention intensity and sessions of exercise (acute vs chronic) significantly moderated exercise intervention rather than intervention type. Conclusions Chronic sessions of exercise interventions with moderate intensity should be incorporated as treatment for children with ADHD to promote executive functions.

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Background/objectiveThe Active Healthy Kids 2018 Hong Kong Report Card provides evidence-based assessment across 12 indicators of physical activity behaviors, sleep, and related community and government initiatives for children and youth.MethodsThe systematic development process provided by the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance was used. The best available data from the past 10 years were reviewed by a panel of experts. According to predefined benchmarks, letter grades were assigned to 12 indicators (Overall Physical Activity, Organized Sport Participation, Active Play, Active Transportation, Sedentary Behaviors, Physical Fitness, Sleep, Family, School, Community and Environment, Government, and Obesity).ResultsThree of the five activity behaviors received C- or C grades: Overall Physical Activity (C-), Sedentary Behaviors (C-), and Organized Sport Participation (C). Active Transportation was graded B + . Same to the 2016 Hong Kong Report Card, Active Play could not be graded. School and Government were graded C. Family and Community and Environment was graded D- and B, respectively. Three new indicators were added after the 2016 Report Card and they were graded from C- (Sleep) to D (Physical Fitness) or D- (Obesity).ConclusionsChildren and youth in Hong Kong have low physical activity and physical fitness levels and high sedentary behaviors despite a generally favorable community environment. A high prevalence of obesity and low levels of family support warrant more public health action. Researchers should address the surveillance gap in active play and peer support.

The POBF was significantly influenced by AL. Therefore, AL should be measured in determining the POBF, especially in young myopic subjects. The amount of postural variation in POBF was similar to previous studies with young subjects and was not affected by AL.