Abstract
Physical activity surveillance data indicates a large proportion of the global adult population is insufficiently active to accrue associated health benefits. To better understand this lack of activity, it is important to know how choice in specific physical activities change from childhood into adulthood across the globe. PURPOSE: To determine the most popular physical activities performed by children, adolescents and adults across six global regions (Africa, Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, Southeast Asia, Western Pacific). METHODS: A two-phase systematic review was conducted. First, geohive.com, a website with access to 211 country’s statistics bureau website was searched. Next, databases Scopus, ProQuest, SPORTDiscus, and Science Direct were searched for articles published in the last ten years. RESULTS: A total of 73,304 articles were retrieved with 65 articles representing 47 countries being included in the final meta-analysis. All six global regions reported adult data, while adolescent data was found for five regions (Africa, Americas, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, Western Pacific) and child data for three regions (Americas, Europe, Western Pacific). Walking was the most popular activity for adults in all regions (range: 15-42%), except Europe where soccer was most prevalent (10%). Running was the second or third most popular activity for all regions. For adolescents, swimming was a top three activity or had greater than 15% participation in all five regions. Other activities with greater than 15% participation, but not necessarily in the top three activities for a region were soccer (Americas, Europe), bowling, baseball (Americas), walking and running (Eastern Mediterranean, Western Pacific). All three regions with child data reported high rates of swimming participation (10-34%). Ball sports were also popular; either in the top 3 activities or with greater than 15% participation in the Americas (basketball, soccer), Europe (soccer) and Western Pacific (basketball). CONCLUSION: Global participation rates reflect a consistent pattern of participation in lifelong physical activities, such as swimming, running or walking. There appears to be a general shift away from ball sports during childhood and adolescence towards walking and running in adults.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
