Argentina’s Global Matrix 4.0 Report Card Results on Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Background: The objective of the Argentine Global Matrix 4.0 Report Card was to synthesize the available national evidence on topics related to physical activity and health of children and adolescents and, based on that evidence, to assign a grade to some related indicators. Methods: The Report Card working group reviewed and compiled the best available evidence on the indicators developed by Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance. Each of the 12 grades (for 10 core and 2 optional indicators) were based on the percentage of children and adolescents meeting a benchmark established in the Global Matrix grading rubric: These grades could range from A+ (best) to F (worst), or an incomplete was assigned when evidence was insufficient or inadequate for grading. The grades were subsequently reviewed and harmonized by 2 independent Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance reviewers. Results: Overall Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Government, all received a grade of D+. Organized Sport and Physical Activity and Community and Environment each received a grade of C−. Obesity received a grade of C+. Active Play, Active Transportation, Physical Fitness, Family and Peers, School, and Sleep were graded as incomplete. Conclusions: Only half of the indicators were able to be graded, as the other half were inconclusive due to lack of evidence. This leaves a gap and thus a challenge at the national level to improve research, surveillance systems, and policies to promote physical activity during childhood and adolescence.