Results From the United States of America’s 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

Abstract

Background The 2016 U.S. Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth provides a comprehensive evaluation of physical activity levels and factors influencing physical activity among children and youth. Methods The Report Card includes 10 indicators: overall physical activity, sedentary behavior, active transportation, organized sport participation, active play, health-related fitness, family and peers, school, community and the built environment, and government strategies and investments. Nationally representative data were used to evaluate the indicators using a standard grading rubric. Results Sufficient data were available to assign grades to 7 of the indicators, and these ranged from B- for community and the built environment to F for active transportation. Overall physical activity received a grade of D- due to the low prevalence of meeting physical activity guidelines. A grade of D was assigned to health-related fitness, reflecting the low prevalence of meeting cardiorespiratory fitness standards. Disparities across age, gender, racial/ethnic and socio-economic groups were observed for several indicators. Conclusions Continued poor grades suggest that additional work is required to provide opportunities for U.S. children to be physically active. The observed disparities indicate that special attention should be given to girls, minorities, and those from lower socio-economic groups when implementing intervention strategies.

Determinants of Physical Activity for Latino and White Middle School‐Aged Children

“…There are several factors which have been identified specifically affecting children's PA participation. These determinants include individual factors (ie, age, sex, weight status, socioeconomic status), interpersonal factors (ie, cultural and social), and environmental factors (ie, screen time, accessibility to sports equipment and playground) . As mentioned earlier, studies have shown that a decline in PA is prominent with age, and an increase in sedentary behaviors during adolescent years .…”

Moderators of School-Based Physical Activity Interventions on Cardiorespiratory Endurance in Primary School-Aged Children: A Meta-Regression

“…Despite these benefits, it has repeatedly been shown that children do not meet the recommended guideline of 60 min of physical activity per day [4,5]. To address this important public health issue, over the past couple of decades, school-based physical activity interventions have been a popular strategy to facilitate children meeting the 60-min per day guideline and to develop the knowledge and skills to be physically active throughout their lifespan [6,7].…”

Classroom-Based Physical Activity: Minimizing Disparities in School-Day Physical Activity Among Elementary School Students

“…1 Schools have a unique ability not only to address energy intake and nutrition, but also to help children meet minimum standards for daily engagement in health-enhancing physical activity (PA). 2,3 Research has shown that school-based PA interventions are effective for improving health outcomes and also for improving educationally relevant behavioral outcomes such as time on task [4][5][6] and academic achievement. 7,8 To experience optimal health benefits, it is recommended that children aged 6-17 years accrue at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) per day.…”