Ecological Model of Physical Activity Determinants for Children and Adolescents in Poland Compared to Global Research - Part 1

Abstract

Aim of research. 1. Presenting the position taken by Poland in the international Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance (AHKGA) ranking of the potential physical activity determinants among children and adolescents aged 10-18. 2. Evaluating the implementation of the ecological model of physical activity according to international criteria. 3. Assessing the effectiveness of implementing the ecological model of physical activity in the world, taking the criteria of its functioning into account. Research methods. In obtaining materials and analysing them, the following methods were used in our research: non-reactive research (research and secondary analysis). In accordance with the methodology of social sciences, in non-reactive research, 2 techniques were used: desk research and content analysis). Research results. The physical activity/behaviour of Polish children can be considered average compared to their peers living in various parts of the world. This means that only a small percentage of children in Poland meet the WHO recommendations for daily physical activity (at a combined moderate and vigorous level) in order to counteract the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle. The best performing area in this respect is school, where activities are focused on improving school infrastructure and physical education classes. There are no representative studies regarding the physical activity of children under the age of 9, and there is a complete lack of scientific analyses in the area of active play. The evidence for a change concerning the methodological paradigm in the approach to building a model of physical activity determinants is the already widespread use of the ecological model, proposed by Sallis et al. in 2002. Conclusions: The conclusions proposed the experts regarding the first Polish Charter of Physical Activity for Children and Youth indicate a need to disseminate activities supporting physical activity and to undertake constant monitoring of changes taking place in the areas of individual domains of the ecological model of physical activity determinants.