Prevalence of insufficient physical activity in children and adolescents: review

Abstract

The aim of this review is to summarize the results of recently published studies on physical activity prevalence among children and adolescents. Literature search was conducted through Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, ERIC, Health Source, Hrčak, PubMed/ MEDLINE, SocINDEX, and Web of Science. A total of 32 articles (published 2001-2011) were reviewed. The prevalence rates of insufficient physical activity among girls ranged from 2.4% to 39.3% in the accelerometer-based studies, and from 19.5% to 95% in the questionnaire-based studies. The prevalence rates among boys in the accelerometer-based studies and questionnaire-based studies ranged from 2.6% to 18.1% and from 18.2% to 89%, respectively. Insufficient physical activity was more prevalent among high school students compared with primary school students. Prevalence rates of insufficient physical activity were by 5%-30% higher among girls than among boys. Lower prevalence rates of insufficient physical activity were determined in the accelerometerbased studies than in the questionnaire-based studies. The high prevalence of insufficient physical activity in children and adolescents addresses the need for systematic physical activity promotion. Taking into consideration that insufficient physical activity is most prevalent among girls and high school students, physical activity interventions should mainly target these groups.