Estimation of indices related to physical activity in Ukraine, Poland, and member countries of active healthy kids global alliance

Abstract

PurposeTo compare the estimated indices of physical activity in Ukraine, Poland, and other countries in accordance with Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance (AHKGA) standards.MethodsThe study of schoolchildren’s physical activity in Ukraine was performed in 2016 in age groups of 12–14 years (<i>n</i> = 1893, 899 boys and 994 girls) and 15–17 years (<i>n</i> = 925, 449 boys and 476 girls). The results of AHKGA databases and Report Cards on Physical Activity for Children and Youth from different countries were analysed.ResultsIn 2016, 38 countries from 6 continents provided reports to AHKGA. In 2018, there were 49 such countries. In accordance with the AHKGA criteria, children and adolescents’ physical activity is marked from A (highest level) to F (lowest level). The results for Ukrainian schoolchildren pointed at the following indices of physical activity level: active play – C; organized sport and physical activity – D; active transportation – B. Poland’s Report Card for Physical Activity for Children and Youth implied the following indices: organized sport and physical activity – D; active transportation – C. There were no data on active play indices in Poland. Clear patterns of the countries’ economic development indices influence on the selected physical activity indices were not established.ConclusionsAccording to AHKGA standards, organized sport and physical activity in Ukraine is rated D, active play – C, and active transportation – B. Organized sport and physical activity and active transportation in Poland are rated D and C, respectively. No data are available on the active play segment in Poland.