Physical Activity Levels Of Adolescents Research Articles

Adolescents with hemophilic knee arthropathy can improve their gait characteristics, functional ability, and physical activity level through kinect-based virtual reality: A randomized clinical trial

BackgroundHemophilic arthropathy is caused by recurrent intra-articular bleeding, most commonly in the knee joints. In terms of physical impact, this arthropathy causes significant disability and hampers the physical activity and functionality of he affected individuals. ObjectiveThis study intended to examine the effect of a physical rehabilitation program incorporating Kinect-based virtual reality (KBVR) on gait characteristics, functional ability, and physical activity level in adolescents diagnosed with hemophilic knee arthropathy (HKA) Materials and methodsIn a randomized clinical trial, 56 boys, aged 10–14 years, with moderate HKA, were randomly allocated into two groups. The control group (n = 28) received conventional physical therapy (CPT), while the KBVR group (n = 52) received a 30-min KBVR exercise program in addition to the CPT. Training was conducted three times/week for 12 successive weeks. Gait characteristics (step length, cadence, velocity, peak knee extension moment during stance, and knee flexion amplitude during swing) were assessed using a gait analysis system, the functional ability was assessed through the 6-min walk test, and physical activity level assessed by the Adolescents' Physical Activity Questionnaire on the pre- and post-treatment occasions. ResultsThe KBVR group achieved more favorable changes in the gait characteristics [step length (P = 0.015), cadence (P = 0.004), velocity (P = 0.024), peak knee extension moment during stance (P = 0.018), and Knee flexion amplitude during swing (P = 0.032)], functional capacity (P = 0.002), and physical activity levels (P = 0.007) compared to the control group. ConclusionThe use of KBVR exercises within a rehabilitation program is a potentially effective therapeutic option for the total care of adolescents with HKA.

Walking and Playing with the Dog to Improve the Physical Activity Level of Adolescents: A Scoping Review.

In recent years, new technologies such as the introduction of the smartphone and the tablet in everyday life and habits have often made adolescents sedentary. It is becoming a serious problem in society. It is important to propose, as soon as possible, proper and feasible programs to modify this trend. A solution should be to increase physical activity, reducing sedentary behaviors. Adopting dogs and walking and playing with them could be a solution, and the population should be sensitized about this aspect. Consequently, the objective of this scoping revision of the literature is to analyze the association between physical activity in adolescents and the presence of a dog in the family. Three electronic databases were screened until 21 February 2024. The detected articles were screened against the eligibility criteria. The results were narratively discussed. After the screening process, a total of four studies were included. The studies presented heterogeneity in the physical activity assessment. This made it hard to synthesize the results. Indicatively, there is a positive association between physical activity and dog ownership. walking and playing with the dog increase the physical activity level of adolescents. Therefore, a sensibilization campaign should highlight the importance of having dogs in families, especially in adolescence. It is fundamental to daily walk and play with them.

Development and validation of the Chinese family environment influencing physical activity habits scale.

Adolescence represents a pivotal stage in the development of healthy behaviors, where establishing positive physical activity habits can have enduring effects on an individual's overall wellbeing. The ecological model highlights the influence of environmental factors on human behavior, with the family environment playing a significant role in shaping the physical activity habits of adolescents. The aim of this scale is to develop a reliable and effective tool, customized for the unique societal context of China, to assess how family factors influence the physical activity habits of Chinese adolescents. Participants were recruited through stratified cluster sampling from 24 secondary schools in six Chinese provinces between October and November 2021, resulting in 1,061 participants. Analysis was conducted on 1,004 valid questionnaires, divided into two samples. Sample 1, consisting of 502 students (248 males and 254 females; Mage = 15.5), underwent item analysis and exploratory factor analysis. Sample 2, comprising 502 students (267 males and 235 females; Mage = 16.5), underwent confirmatory factor analysis and internal consistency reliability analysis. Through exploratory factor analysis, we extracted three factors comprising 15 items: "Family Environment Construction" (4 items), "Family Action Support" (6 items), and "Family Health Awareness" (5 items). The Cronbach's alpha values for these factors ranged from 0.890 to 0.894. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed a satisfactory model fit (CMIN/DF = 1.45, SRMR = 0.027, GFI = 0.991, TLI = 0.989, RMSEA = 0.03). The scale demonstrated strong internal consistency and test-retest reliability, confirming its effectiveness in empirical research. This study holds significant implications for enhancing the physical activity levels of adolescents, promoting their physical and mental wellbeing, enriching their developmental experiences, and contributing to their overall sense of happiness.

Compensatory behavior of physical activity in adolescents – a qualitative analysis of the underlying mechanisms and influencing factors

IntroductionCompensatory behavior of physical activity (PA) based on the ActivityStat hypothesis in adolescents is scarcely investigated, and existing studies showed inconclusive results. Understanding the compensatory behavior in a holistic way is important as this can help to improve intervention outcomes and thus, increase the PA levels in adolescents. Thus, the aim of the present study is to investigate the occurrence, direction, timeframe, and ratio of habitual activity compensation in adolescents. Furthermore, we want to identify the awareness of compensation and factors that influence compensatory behavior.MethodsThe present qualitative study used a mixed methods crossover analysis design. Participants (N = 15, 8 boys and 7 girls) were adolescents aged 11–15 years (mean age 13.04 ± 1.28). They provided a habitual weekly schedule with habitual/regular activities and their intensity. Participants then kept an activity diary over one week to capture their actual behavior. After that, data were compared and deviations > ±20% were considered as compensation opportunities. On this basis, deviations were descriptively analyzed for compensatory behavior and were coded as positive and negative compensatory behavior. Further, for each compensation, the ratio of compensation (MET-minutes of the compensating activity/MET-minutes of the activity that was compensated) was calculated. Additionally, interviews were conducted to explore perceptions and influencing factors for (no) compensation.ResultsOverall, 198 compensation opportunities were identified with deviations greater ± 20%. Of these, 109 opportunities were compensated overall (69 within-day, 40 between-day). Negative compensation took place in 57 opportunities and 52 opportunities were compensated positively. Most of the deviations were overcompensated (compensation/deviation > 100%). About half of the adolescents (N = 8) were not aware about their compensatory behavior, and only one boy was aware of all his compensatory behavior. The most mentioned influence for positive compensation were social support by friends and good weather. As influencing factors for negative compensation, tiredness as well as no need for movement were mentioned predominantly. No negative compensation occurred because adolescents wanted to stick to their routines or participated in hedonistic activities.DiscussionSummarizing the findings, the present study delivered new insights into the field of compensatory behavior in adolescents. Nevertheless, compensatory behavior was not consistently observed regarding the occurrence of compensation, direction, timeframe and ratio. However, social support appears to be an important factor to compensate positively or to avoid a negative compensatory behavior. Further, it seems to be helpful to support individuals in their search for hedonistic activities as well as in the establishment of routines.

The Effectiveness of Teaching the Teacher Interventions in Improving the Physical Activity among Adolescents in Schools: A Scoping Review.

Physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for global mortality as it increases the risk of non-communicable diseases and decreases overall health. Therefore, increasing physical activity (PA) is strongly recommended, particularly in adolescents. The Teaching the Teachers (TTT) approach is a prominent example of an intervention that could enhance PA levels in adolescents. However, available evidence on the efficacy of TTT interventions in promoting PA among adolescents is either limited or inconclusive. Therefore, a scoping review was conducted to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the effectiveness of TTT interventions in improving the PA of adolescent students. The PRISMA-Scoping methodology was employed, and articles in the Medline database were searched. We screened 2357 articles for inclusion, and finally included 16 articles. Most articles were conducted in European countries. The TTT interventions appeared to positively affect various aspects of PA. These aspects include support for personal autonomy, intent to engage in PA, improvements in body composition and fitness level, social support, enjoyment of Physical Education (PE), and positive attitudes towards PE. Consequently, policymakers could utilize TTT interventions to improve the physical activity of adolescents, which may reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases and foster healthier societies.

A Review of the Impact of Sporting Role Model-Led Interventions on Physical Activity and Sport Participation of Female Youth

There is a lack of evidence of on the impact of how sporting role models (SRM) influence adolescent physical activity (PA) and/or sport participation (SP) levels. The main aim of this review was to identify SRM-led interventions and highlight the evidence of impact of SRMs on female adolescents’ participation in PA and/or SP. A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature using key search terms was completed using electronic databases (APA PsycInfo, SPORTDiscus, and PubMed). The inclusion criteria were as follows: (a) Participants were ≤18 years old, (b) results were reported for female participants, (c) the study included an intervention arm/element, (d) an SRM or equivalent terminology was used as part of the intervention, (e) PA levels and/or SP was evaluated, and (f) peer-reviewed articles published in English. A total of 7,169 peer-reviewed articles were identified and screened. A systematic review of grey literature to identify SRM programs was also carried out through Google search engine, direct contact with relevant sporting organizations, and with authors who had written about role models, and 45 programs were identified. Identified documents were screened using the same inclusion criteria as described above. The results identified one peer-reviewed and 15 grey literature programs, all of which were deemed to be of poor quality. The programs revealed a lack of theoretical base and rigor in methodology, no objective PA or SP assessment, poor demographic context of participants and role models, and lack of evaluation.

Investigation of the Relationship Between Mobile Phone Addiction and Physical Activity Level in Adolescents

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between mobile phone addiction and physical activity. This study was planned as a descriptive relational study. The study was carried out with 165 students in a high school located of Konya province. Adolescents'total physical activity score average was 2267.15±1257.161. When the mobile phone ddiction of the adolescents was evaluated, the mean deprivation subscale score was 17.04±7.56, the uncontrolled subscale mean score was 14.13±5.01, the tolerance subdimensionmean score was 13.36±7.89, and the mobile phone total score mean It was found to be 44.54±18.57. A very strong negative correlation was found between mobile phone addiction and physical activity level. In our study, in which we evaluated the relationship between the physical activity level of the students and the desire to be liked, who perceive their health as bad and those who were inactive in terms of physical activity were included in the risk group.

Correlation between physical activity and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a systematic review

BackgroundThe multifactorial aetiology of scoliosis is well known. Physical activity is considered both a treatment and causative factor for idiopathic scoliosis; however, evidence for a causal relationship between physical activity levels and idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents is conflicting. Therefore, we aimed to summarise the current evidence regarding the association between adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and physical activity and further to assess whether the relationship is dose dependent.MethodsPubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from 1991 to July 2022 using the following main keywords: adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, physical activity, and risk factors, supplemented with manual searches, secondary citations, and reference searches. The quality of the included literature was evaluated using the Scale for Reporting Observational Studies in Enhanced Epidemiology guidelines.ResultsEight studies were included in this review, of which six reported an association between adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and physical activity levels and two reported no association. One British study reported reduced physical function early in life as a new risk factor for scoliosis onset.ConclusionsPhysical activity is strongly associated with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Physical activity should be encouraged as it plays an important role in the prevention of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Further research is needed to determine the dose-dependent relationship between physical activity and prevention of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Physical activity status among adolescents in Southern Ethiopia: A mixed methods study.

Adolescents physical activity is associated with current and future health benefits, reduction of cardio-vascular risk factors, improved bone mineral density, and mental health. The aim of the current study is to assess physical activity status and its factors among adolescents in Arba Minch and Jinka towns, Southern Ethiopia. The study was conducted on 1255 randomly selected schools adolescents of Arba Minch and Jinka town by employing a mixed method. The qualitative data was obtained by Focus Group Discussion. Multiple linear regressions were done to identify factors affecting physical activity. Codes, sub-categories, and main categories were derived from the transcripts and presented in narrative ways to describe adolescent student's perception on physical activity, its barriers and facilitators by comparing with quantitative findings. The mean physical activity level was 2.08 (95% CI: 2.04-2.12). A student's self-perception about being physically active, being a member of a sport or fitness team, and engaging in after-school activity to earn money, being older, sex, a self-perception of being healthy, higher levels of vegetable and fruit consumption, having someone who encouraged physical activity, perceiving one's family as being active, self-perception of not being overweight and attending schools that have a sports/playground were factors associated with physical activity. The qualitative finding showed a related finding. Poor awareness on the recommended physical activity, benefits of physical activity, lack of interest, restrictions from family members, peers and the community, uncomfortable environment were barriers to physical activity. The physical activity level of adolescents was low. Age, sex, a positive self-perception about PA and general health, and perception about one's family PA, healthy eating practice, and the presence of role model were associated factors. Lack of self-motivation, interest and family restrictions were barriers to physical activity. PA promotion should be made by incorporating PA into school health programs and strengthening the existing school curriculum.

A Machine Learning Approach to Predicting Physical Activity Levels in Adolescents

The ongoing evolution of technology has had both positive and negative effects on modern society. On the positive side, it has significantly improved the ease with which various activities can be performed. However, it has also had a negative impact by reducing physical activity. This reduction in physical activity, in turn, increases the risk of chronic diseases that contribute to global mortality rates. This research aims to assess the effectiveness of machine learning in predicting the physical activity levels of adolescents. The study utilizes data from accelerometers, specifically the ActiGraph GT3X. The research methodology employs a semi-supervised machine learning approach, using the support vector machine and decision tree algorithms to make these predictions. The sample comprises 61 adolescents (males = 17, female = 44), including high school students and university students aged 18-21, from the West Java region. The results from the machine learning model using the decision tree algorithm indicated a model accuracy of 97.50% in predicting physical activity levels. In contrast, the accuracy obtained from the performance analysis using the confusion matrix for the support vector machine model was 92.5%. Based on these accuracy levels, the decision tree algorithm outperforms the support vector machine algorithm's accuracy. Further analyses involving different models are necessary to determine which algorithm offers the highest level of accuracy.

Changes in adolescent physical activity levels pre and post COVID-19 in Ireland

Abstract Background The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for at least, on average, 60 minutes per day, and muscle strengthening exercises at least three times a week for adolescent health. Lockdowns, sports club and school closures during COVID-19 limited children's PA opportunities. The aim of this study was to examine changes in PA behaviour among students in schools undertaking a PA intervention (the Active School Flag: ASF) over three consecutive years. Methods ASF is a whole school intervention. Its aim is to increase student PA opportunities and thus, PA levels. ASF implementation team includes students, teachers and school management. Using a repeated cross-sectional panel study design, all students in five pilot ASF schools were invited to complete the ASF whole-school survey in September 2019, 2020 and 2021. Descriptive statistics, contingency tables and multi-logistic regression analyses evaluated changes in PA behaviour over time. Results Students in five schools (N = 7530, 33% male; 65% female, 2% other) took part. Physical inactivity (WHO guidelines for only 0-2days) dropped from 25% in 2019 to 22% in 2020 and 23% in 2021. Analysis by gender showed females to be most active in 2020 (p = .004). No significant changes, over time, were found for muscle-strengthening exercises. Four out of the five schools reported a significant increase in active travel and a decrease in car transport behaviour from 2019-2021, no gender differences were found. Conclusions COVID-19 public health restrictions varied over the duration of this study (higher in 2020 than at other time points). Little or no change in overall PA or muscle-strengthening exercises was established, yet significant increases in active transport to and from school were reported. Further research should explore mechanisms and the potential of a displacement hypothesis for types of PA change during this time. Key messages • COVID-19 movement restrictions, such as lockdowns, school and sports club closures contributed to increases in active transport to and from school, while other forms of PA remained largely unchanged. • The Active School Flag may be an effective programme to reduce the amount of students who are physically inactive.

The Association between Physical Activity Levels and Social Media Addiction among Adolescents: A Descriptive Correlational Study

The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between physical activity levels and social media addiction in adolescents. The study was designed as a descriptive correlational study, and the research group consisted of 160 volunteer students (90 female, 70 male) residing in Agri, Turkey. Two scales were used to collect data: the Social Media Addiction Scale for Adolescents and the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using correlation and regression analysis. The results of the study showed that there was no significant relationship between the physical activity levels of the participants and their social media addiction (p>0.05). However, a strong positive correlation was found between the genders of the participants and their moderate physical activity and total physical activity levels (p 0.05), but a weak positive correlation was found between social media addiction and the age of the students (p < 0.05). The study concludes that there is no significant relationship between social media addiction and physical activity levels in adolescents. However, there is a positive correlation between the genders of the participants and their physical activity levels. These findings may be useful in developing interventions to promote physical activity and reduce social media addiction in adolescents.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown Restrictions on Physical Activity Levels in European Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Aim: To evaluate how the COVID-19 public health lockdown restrictions impacted the physical activity levels of European adolescents aged 10-19. Methodology: Databases searched included CINAHL Complete, Medline, APA PsycInfo, AMED, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Search terms comprised database-specific synonyms of “Physical Activity” AND “COVID-19” AND “Adolescents”. Included studies compared continuous, quantitative pre-COVID and during-COVID physical activity measurements of healthy adolescents aged 10-19 living in the European Union. The references of relevant systematic reviews were hand-searched for pertinent studies. Included studies were independently appraised using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale for Cohort Studies followed by meta-analysis. Findings: Database search retrieved 1397 studies, with three further studies discovered through hand searches. After removing duplicates, 898 articles were independently screened in Covidence by two reviewers, resulting in five included studies. Quality Assessment ratings were ‘poor’ (4/5) or ‘fair’ (1/5). Random effects meta-analysis demonstrated a significant decline in European adolescent physical activity levels, with a Standard Mean Difference of 0.44 (95% CI, 0.03, 0.84; P=0.005, 4 studies, n=2286). When analyzed by gender, a non-significant trend of decreased physical activity was found in both boys (0.43, 95% CI, -0.07, 0.93; P=0.09, 3 studies, n=1030) and girls (0.25, 95% CI, -0.33, 0.84; P=0.40, 3 studies, n=1017). Conclusion: Though overall study quality was poor due to pandemic restrictions, these results indicate that the COVID-19 lockdowns may have significantly negatively impacted already-poor adolescent physical activity levels. This research demonstrates the importance of interventions to encourage physical activity participation in this demographic.

Changes in physical activity level of adolescents and its relationship with mental health during regular COVID-19 prevention and control.

This study aimed to analyze the impact of regular prevention and control of COVID-19 on the physical activity level (PAL) of adolescents and the relationship between PAL and mental health. Using the convenience sampling method, two stages of the on-site cross-sectional investigation were conducted in 11 middle schools in Guiyang City in China. There were 1132 participants who completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for old children (PAQ-C) in October 2020, and 1503 participants who completed the PAQ-C and Mental Health Inventory of Middle-school students (MMHI-60) in October 2021. All participants reported their demographic data. Descriptive, quantitative statistics were used for data analysis. One-way ANOVA was used to explore associations between PAL and mental health. The results of statistical analysis showed a gradual yearly increase in the PAL of teenagers, and the PAL of male junior middle school students has a significant increase (p<.05); while that of adolescents in Grade 10 significantly decreased (p<.001). There is a statistically significant correlation between adolescents' mental health (except for anxiety) and PAL (p<.05). The overall abnormal rate of mental health was 27.9%; The PAL and the total mean score of mental health had a negative correlation (p<.001). There was a significant difference between mental health scores and corresponding PAL (p<.001). Furthermore, there are statistically significant differences in scores of mental health factors corresponding to varying PAL among junior high school students and male students (p<.05). The regular epidemic prevention and control measures had significant adverse effects on the PAL of girls and high school adolescents, especially Grade 10 adolescents. Improving adolescents' PAL can promote their mental health. Interventions based on PAL slightly lower than the level recommended in the physical activity guidelines can bring significant mental health effects.

Parent and school modelling factors associated with physical activity practices among adolescents of Devchuli municipality

Background: Regular physical activity helps children and adolescents to remain healthy and fit, improve muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness, have psycho-social benefits. The Global School Based Student Health Survey of Nepal 2015 shows that only 15.1% of adolescents of age 13-17 years were physically active daily. Identification of these factors that affects level of physical activity among adolescents of Nepal and its better understanding will aid in promoting physically active lifestyle and designing effective interventions. Methods: The cross sectional study was conducted to determine the factors associated with physical activity among adolescents of 15 to 19 years in Devchuli Municipality. Physical activity level of adolescents were measured along with parental and school/teacher modelling variables. Results: The study shows that most of the participants (68.8%) had moderate level of physical activity while 28.8% of participants were doing high level of physical activity. Only 7% of females were doing high level of physical activities compared to 53% males doing the high level of physical activities. The result showed that male participants were more likely to do high level of physical activity (AOR=16, 95% CI=7.3-33.7) than female participants. Similarly, the participants from other than Hindu religion (which consists Buddhist and Christian) were more likely to do high level of physical activity (AOR=6.5, 95% CI=1.8-23.5) than the participants from Hindu religion. Conclusions: The study showed that male participants and the participants from other than Hindu religion (which consists Buddhist and Christian) were more likely to do high level of physical than their counterparts.

Physical activity and body composition in a Quilombola community in the Tocantins state (Brazil)

The Quilombola population has precarious living conditions and a risk of obesity. In addition, this population has been little studied in the health area, resulting in a gap in scientific evidence and a lack of policies to promote, protect, and restore health in Tocantins state. Objective: This study aimed to describe the Physical Activity Level (PAL) and body composition of a Quilombola community in the Tocantins state, Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study. We study 73 individuals between 10 and 81 years old. The instruments used were: Questionnaire on PAL and sedentary behavior and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Body composition was assessed by bioimpedance. The statistics analysis was performed using Stata software version 11.0. Results: Sedentary individuals were not found. Among children under 13 years old, 47.8% had a low PAL. The body composition, children and adolescents obtained better results 65.3% and 31.6% respectively. Conclusion: The children’s body fat indexes are within the recommendations (but the PAL is not). PAL of adolescents, adults, and the elderly is not sufficient to cause physiological adaptations in changing body fat levels. Although the Quilombola community maintains some cultural habits, complications of modern life regarding health are concerning, as they seem to be reaching these communities, leading to a lifestyle change, as observed in large cities. Keywords: Exercise; Body Composition; Vulnerable; Public Health.

Synthesis May Be Better than Singleness— A Cross-sectional Study on Physical Activity Environment, Food Environment and Adolescents' BMI

Objectives: To analyze the relationship between residential physical activity environment and food environment respectively and adolescent BMI level, the correlation between adolescent physical activity level and food intake behavior respectively and adolescent BMI level, as well as compare the difference of correlation between residential single physical activity environment or combined physical activity environment and adolescent BMI level, and the difference of correlation between food environment and adolescent BMI level. Methods: Based on the cross-sectional study design, a total of 1035 adolescents aged 11 to 17 years were surveyed in the urban area of Jinhua City. The final valid sample was 884 (including 411 males and 473 females) after screening, due to the methodological difficulties of the food intake frequency survey. The height and weight of the sample were measured, and the subjective perception evaluation of physical activity level, frequency of food intake, residential physical activity environment, and food environment were investigated. Results: (1) No significant difference exists in BMI between physical activity levels in the sample overall and among men, but a significant difference exists between physical activity levels among women (p&lt;0.05). A significant difference exists in BMI between the frequencies of non-healthy food intake in the overall sample (p&lt;0.05 or p&lt;0.01). After differentiating by gender, there were significant differences in BMI among different frequencies of fried food, puffed food, and carbonated beverage intake among men (p&lt;0.05 or p&lt;0.01), and among women for different frequencies of puffed food, sugary drinks, and carbonated beverages (p&lt;0.05 or p&lt;0.01). (2) All indicators of physical activity environment in the residence were correlated with the physical activity level of adolescents and were significant (p&lt;0.05 or p&lt;0.01). The physical activity level of females compared to males was correlated with the safety of physical activity facilities and other environmental indicators in and around the residence and was significant after differentiating by gender. (3) Binary Logistic Regression results showed that when the independent variable was the combination of "physical activity and frequency of food intake", fried food (OR=1.771, p&lt;0.05), puffed food (OR=1.762, p&lt;0.05), and carbonated beverage intake frequency (OR=2.082, p&lt;0.05) were risk factors for adolescent obesity. When the independent variable was a combination of "physical activity environment and food environment", fewer stray dogs roaming in and around the residence (OR=0.766, p&lt;0.05), better physical activity venues/facilities (OR=0.661, p&lt;0.05), and more free physical exercise areas (OR= 0.686, p &lt; 0.01) were protective factors for adolescent obesity. Conclusion: The overall physical activity level of adolescents in Jinhua urban area was low and the frequency of unhealthy food intake was high. The differences between groups with different unhealthy food intake frequencies were significant. There were significant correlations between physical activity environment and physical activity level of adolescents, and food environment and frequency of unhealthy food intake of adolescents. A better physical activity environment and food environment in and around the residence contributed to adolescents showing relatively lower BMI levels. Female adolescents need to pay more attention to the combined effect of "physical activity environment and food environment" in obesity prevention and control, compared with male adolescents.

Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Physical Activity Level in Adolescents During the Lockdown in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study in Greek Island of Rhodes

Background: Nutrition is involved in various ways in the 17 distinct SDGs of United Nations Agenda 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic is testing the world threatening health, nutrition, education, and social protection. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the adolescents’ adherence to the Mediterranean diet that attended senior high school in the Greek city of Rhodes during the lockdown period. Methods: In this cross-sectional, observational study the sample of the research was 227 students aged 11-15 years old, that self-reported their weight and height and completed validated questionnaires for their nutritional attitudes. Results: The percentages of students who were overweight/obese were 22.5% of the total sample (17.2% overweight and 5.3% obese) according to the IOTF (International Obesity Taskforce) cutoffs and 30.4% (21.6% overweight and 8.8% obese) according to the WHO (World Health Organization) cutoffs. The average KIDMED score of the sample was medium (6.00) and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet of the sample needs improvement. Conclusion: Results support a shift from traditional Mediterranean diet to more unhealthy eating patterns. Adolescents' limited physical activity mainly on weekdays was reported, and further research could examine the role of distant education for this behavior. Policies and strategies targeting the students’ population are essential for adolescents’ nutrition education and the improvement of their dietary habits toward the sustainable Mediterranean diet, during the specific circumstances of covid pandemic.

"It Goes Hand in Hand with Us Trying to Get More Kids to Play" Stakeholder Experiences in a Sport and Active Recreation Voucher Program.

Vouchers that reduce the cost of sport and active recreation participation have been shown to increase children's and adolescent's physical activity levels. Yet, the influence of government-led voucher programs on the capacity of sport and active recreation organisations is unclear. This qualitative study explored the experiences of stakeholders in the sport and recreation sector that were engaged in implementing the New South Wales (NSW) Government's Active Kids voucher program in Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 sport and active recreation providers. Interview transcriptions were analysed by a multidisciplinary team using the Framework method. Overall, participants reported that the Active Kids voucher program was an acceptable intervention to address the cost barrier to participation for children and adolescents. Three main steps influenced the capacity of organisations to deliver their sport and recreation programs and the voucher program: (1) Implementation priming-alignment of the intervention aims with stakeholder priorities and early information sharing, (2) Administrative ease-enhanced technology use and establishment of simple procedures, and (3) Innovation impacts-enablement of staff and volunteers to address barriers to participation for their participants. Future voucher programs should include strategies to enhance the capacity of sport and active recreation organisations to meet program guidelines and increase innovation.

Sleep quality is mediated by physical activity level in adolescents.

Sleep is essential for the adolescent's health and well-being. Despite existing evidence of the positive relationship between physical activity and quality of sleep, some other factors could mediate this association. The purpose of the present study was to clarify the interaction between the level of physical activity and sleep in adolescents depending on their gender. A total of 12,459 subjects 11 to 19 years old (5073 male and 5016 female) reported data regarding their quality of sleep and their level of physical activity. Better quality of sleep was reported by males regardless of the level of physical activity (d=0.25, P<0.001). Better quality of sleep was reported by active subjects (P<0.05), and it improved in both sexes as the level of physical activity was higher (P<0.001). Male adolescents have better sleep quality than females regardless of their competitive level. The higher the adolescents' physical activity level the higher the quality of sleep.