Development of a model for physical fitness and its correlates in children and adolescents from the canton de Vaud: the PACE model

Abstract

The Lausanne Youth Olympic Games in January 2020 rep­resent a unique opportunity for the canton of Vaud to ­strengthen its policy of health promotion through physical activity and sport among young people. Several factors influence physical activity and physical fitness of a population. Ecological models describe correlates of physical activity in general population and youth. However, no model describes correlates of physical fitness. To close this gap, the model of physical fitness and its correlates among children and adolescents of the canton of Vaud (PACE model) was developed. The model is organized in the following levels: global (guidelines, policy and legal context), environmental (social, built and natural environment), interpersonal (family and relatives social support) and individual (biological, socio­demographic, psychological and behavioral aspects). Perspectives on the application of the PACE model are also ­presented. La forme masculine est utilisée dans cet article par souci de concision. Elle doit être comprise comme englobant l’ensemble des réalités liées au genre.