Physical Activity Levels Of Adolescents Research Articles

Study on the influence of levels of physical activity and socio-economic conditions on body mass index of adolescents.

We explored the relationship between adolescent physical activity levels, socio-economic conditions and body mass index (BMI) in order to gain a deeper understanding of the relevant factors affecting adolescent obesity. A stratified random sampling method was used to conduct a questionnaire survey of middle school students in the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Zone. Multiple linear and logistic regression analysis methods were used to statistically analyse the data obtained. The level of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) not only significantly reduces the incidence of obesity in adolescents, it also has a positive effect on avoiding underweight in adolescents. The impact of a father's BMI on a son's weight is higher than that of a daughter, while the impact of a mother's BMI on a child's weight is the opposite. High monthly income has a positive effect on reducing the BMI of male and female adolescents, but full-time working mothers actually increase the risk of obesity in their children. Teenagers who have exercise habits or view exercise as a form of enjoyment have a significantly reduced risk of obesity. The level of MVPA and exercise habits are important factors in inhibiting the development of obesity in adolescent students.

Nutritional status and physical activity levels of adolescents in public and private schools

Highlights The prevalence of overweight and obesity was high in both educational institutions. The overall level of physical activity in the adolescents was low. Public school students were more physically inactive compared to private school students. Tenth and eleventh graders are more physically inactive than ninth graders. Introduction: Obesity and physical inactivity in adolescents are associated with some diseases, and poor academic performance. Studies have reported differences in the level of physical activity according to the type of school. Objective: To compare the prevalence of obesity and physical inactivity in adolescents in a public and a private school. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents attending a public school and a private school. Ninth, tenth, and eleventh-grade students between 14 and 17 years were included. Physical activity level was assessed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents, and nutritional status using body mass index for age. Results: Information was collected from 343 students, of whom 55.10% (n=189) were from a public school. The 28.28% were overweight. The overall level of physical activity in adolescents was low (mean= 1.97 95% CI 1.92 – 2.01). It was found that public school students were more inactive adjusted (PR= 1.40; 95% CI 1.03 - 1.92) compared to private school students. Discussion: Adolescents do not achieve optimal levels of frequency and duration of physical activity, highlighting the need for educational programs and attractive interventions to promote physical activity. Conclusion: Adolescent students have low levels of physical activity, with more inactive students in the public school compared to the private school. The prevalence of overweight was high in both schools. How to cite this article: Arias-Silva María V, Pedreros-Lemuz Valentina, Rodríguez-Perdomo Angie L, González-Lozano Raúl A, Ramos-Castaneda Jorge A. Nutritional status and physical activity levels of adolescent in public and private schools. Revista Cuidarte. 2024;15(3):e3942. https://doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.3942

183 Association between mental health and different patterns of physical activity in adolescents in Luxembourg – HBSC 2022

Abstract Purpose Regular physical activity (PA) is a key protective factor for health in youths. The WHO recommends that adolescents do at least an average of 60 minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and incorporate vigorous-intensity aerobic activities (VPA) at least 3 days a week. Nonetheless, lower amounts of PA already carry benefits. This study aims to explore and to examine association between well-being and PA levels in adolescents in Luxembourg. Methods A representative sample of 8117 adolescents (11-to-18-years-old) took part in the 2022 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Luxembourg survey. Based on the WHO-5 Index adolescents were categorised as “depression symptomatology”, “low mood” and normal well-being. In addition, they were categorised as frequency per week (0 to 7 days) of MVPA and VPA practice. Multinomial logistic regressions were performed, controlling by sex and SES. Normal well-being and physical inactivity were the respective refence groups. Results The results showed an association between mental well-being and both MVPA and VPA (p<.001). Compared to their inactive peers and independently of sex and SES, adolescents in Luxembourg who practiced MVPA 4 days per week or VPA 2 times per week had decreased odds to present low mood (ORMVPA=0.63, 95%CI[0.45-0.87] and ORVPA=0.75, 95%CI[0.60-0.92]) and PA even in a small frequency (1 day per week) already decreased the odds to have depressive symptoms (ORMVPA=0.67, 95%CI[0.51-0.89] and ORVPA=0.61, 95%CI[0.49-0.75]). Conclusions These findings highlight the significance of physical activity in fostering well-being, revealing an inverse relationship between the frequency of physical activity and the occurrence of depressive symptomatology and low well-being. In this regard, the advantages of engaging in physical activity are linked not only to physiological benefits but also to social interactions within these practices. In this context, the benefits of regular physical activity extend beyond its direct impact on mental health, encompassing both physiological and social dimensions.

Physical Education Classes with different durations, and their contribution to Daily Physical Activity Recommendations of Adolescents in Porto, Portugal

Objective: For many adolescents, physical education classes (PE) provide the most relevant opportunity to be engaged in physical activity (PA). Although the evidence suggested low levels of PA in PE few studies have focused their investigation on the contribution of PA performed during PE to daily PA. So, the purpose of this study was to analyze PA levels of adolescents in Porto, Portugal during daily school hours when they attended PE (PED) with 45 min of duration (PED45), PE with 90 min of duration (PED90), school days without PE (NPED) and weekend days (WD). Methods: This study was conducted in four Portuguese public schools with 441 students (253 girls) volunteers, aged between 10 to 18 years (14.31 ± 2.70). PA was assessed using an Actigraph accelerometer for seven consecutive days. Independent and general linear model repeated measures were used to assess differences between PA according to NPED, PED45, PED90 and WD. A logistic regression was used to investigate the contribution of PE to the compliance of adolescents’ daily PA recommendations. Results: PED45 contributed, on average, 16.9% for the daily moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and PED90 accounted for 32.2%. All students engaged in more MVPA on PED than NPED or WD (p<0.05). PE classes were associated with higher odds to accomplished the recommended 60 min of daily MVPA (OR = 2.66, 95% CI = 2.01-3.53). Conclusion: This study suggested that PE increased the daily MVPA levels and played a considerable role in providing PA to accomplish PA guidelines. Keywords: Accelerometer, Physical Activity; Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity; Physical Education; Adolescents.

The protective effect of physical activity on mental health of middle school students at different stages during the COVID-19 outbreak

This study aims to further understand the changes in physical activity level(PAL) and mental health among adolescents before and after the outbreak of COVID-19 and explore the protective role of physical activity (PA) on the mental health of adolescents during major disasters. A convenient sampling method was used to conduct a cross-sectional survey. The cross-sectional data from 2838 Chinese middle school students (mean age = 14.91 ± 1.71 years, 49.54% female) were used, of which 1,471 and 1,367 were in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The PAL was collected using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-CN), mental health status was collected using the Mental Health Inventory of Middle School Students (MMHI-60), sociodemographic information was collected using a self-reported questionnaire. Before and after the outbreak of COVID-19, the PAL of adolescents was 2.36 ± 0.74 and 2.50 ± 0.66, respectively, with a significant difference (p < 0.01, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.19). The mental health scores were 1.71 ± 0.60 and 1.86 ± 0.73, respectively, with a significant difference (p < 0.01, 95% CI: − 0.20, − 0.10). The detection rates of mental health problems were 27.50% and 35.50%, respectively. The rates of achieving PAL standards were 30.20% and 18.00% among adolescents, while the rates of not achieving PAL standards were 39.60% and 18.00%. PA is a protective factor for the mental health of adolescents during major disasters.

Organised and non-organised activities contribute to overall physical activity levels in adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome: a cross-sectional study.

Participation in organised and non-organised physical activities among adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome is underexplored. This study aimed to examine differences between organised and non-organised physical activities among adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome. Forty participants with Down syndrome (27 woman; mean age 21.4±4.9years) were recruited. Data on physical activity participation were collected by self- or proxy-reported questionnaires about attendance, involvement and type of physical activity. Adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome participated in more organised than non-organised activities (P<0.05), more often (P<0.05), but there was no difference in the total time spent participating in these activities overall. Participants spent more time in vigorous physical activity during organised activities (P<0.05) and spent more time in light physical activity during non-organised physical activities (P<0.05). Dancing (organised activity) and walking (non-organised activity) were the most reported activities. Participation in both organised and non-organised physical activities is important to increase overall physical activity levels of adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome. Future research exploring physical activity preferences may help guide the planning and adaption of community programmes for this group.

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.

Individual, family, school and neighborhood predictors related to different levels of physical activity in adolescents: A cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association among individual, family, school environment and neighborhood predictors with the different levels of physical activity (PA) [light (LPA) and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA)] in Brazilian adolescents. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 309 adolescents with a mean age of 15.37 (± 0.57) years. PA and sleep time were assessed by accelerometry. Individual predictors were determined by anthropometry and questionnaires, while family, school environment and neighborhood predictors were assessed using questionnaires. Robust Regression analysis was performed considering a significance level of 5%. Individual and environmental variables were able to respectively predict 64% and 13.6% of adolescents' participation in LPA. Work (βp = 0.2322), gender (βp = -0.1318), commuting to school (βp = -0.1501), sleep (βp = -0.1260) and paved roads (βp = -0.1360) were associated with LPA. It was also observed that individual (59.4%) and environmental (27.4%) variables were able to predict adolescents' participation in MVPA. Work (βp = 0.1656), commuting to school (βp = 0.1242) and crime (βp = 0.1376, and gender (βp = -0.3041) and paved roads (βp = -0.1357 were associated with MVPA. Such results indicated that boys, those who work and those who live in unpaved neighborhoods presented greater time in LPA and MVPA; those who live in neighborhoods with higher crime had higher time spent in MVPA; and those who passively commute to school had more time in LPA. There was an average reduction of 5.0 minutes in LPA time for each additional hour of sleep. Finally, students who actively commute to school had more time in MVPA. Individual factors and those related to the neighborhood environment can play an important role in understanding the variables which can influence the different levels of PA in adolescents.

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&gt;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 &lt; 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.