Social-ecological correlates of children's outdoor playtime and their interaction with gender: a national longitudinal study.

The influence of environmental design on children's physical activity: Insights from affordable housing in Rome, Italy

The built environment supports physical activity (PA) by providing opportunities to be active in daily life. Natural experiments are valuable for assessing how real-world changes to the built environment affect PA and are critical for guiding policies to improve population-level PA. The objective of this review was to summarize the evidence from natural experiments that investigated the impacts of built environment changes on PA in Canada. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, ProQuest Public Health and SportDISCUS, from inception to 27 November 2024. Natural experiment evaluations that included a comparator or historical control group and assessed changes in PA associated with changes in the built environment were eligible. A narrative synthesis summarizes the evidence and the certainty of the evidence. Results from the included natural experiments (n = 25) suggest positive effects, with low to moderate certainty, of increased walkability, new cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, bike share (bike rental) programs and new trails. However, there was very low to low certainty of no significant effects for bus rapid transit, school building and yard improvements and school zone improvements. Some evidence suggests negative effects of off-leash dog park areas on children's park-based PA and of daycare yard improvements on moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA. Few Canadian studies have evaluated the impact of built environment changes on PA, with most emerging in the last decade. Future studies should include larger and more diverse samples and all regions, control for confounders including seasonal variation in outdoor PA, use well-matched control groups and incorporate objective PA measures.

People's daily lives have been negatively affected by the unexpected emergence of Covid-19, with young children and teenagers being the most severely impacted. The implementation of stringent measures to control the epidemic has led to significant changes in children's physical characteristics and physical activities. This investigation therefore focused on the food intake and physical activity of children during their enforced home confinement due to the Covid-19 epidemic. The sample consisted of 105 non-competitive gymnasts aged 4 to 18 who completed two separate questionnaires: one covering the period before the Covid-19 pandemic-related home confinement and another covering the confinement itself. The Mediterranean Diet Quality Index in Children and Adolescents was used to assess nutrition, while the Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to measure leisure-time physical activity. The results showed that, while there was variation in the type and amount of physical activity, there was also a significant change in the children's diet due to differences in the quantity of various foods (vegetables, legumes, etc.). In conclusion, the pandemic altered gymnasts’ dietary habits and physical activity levels during Covid-19-induced confinement.

To evaluate the feasibility of a multi-state randomized control trial (RCT) evaluating iAmHealthy, a rurally tailored pediatric obesity treatment delivered via synchronous televideo. This study's primary outcomes included the evaluation of participant retention and the efficacy of blinding. Each intervention arm was hypothesized to retain >75% of randomized participants and preserve blinding. Additionally, the intervention's preliminary effectiveness was evaluated by comparing changes in health outcomes. Youth aged 6-11 years with a body mass index (BMI) percentile ≥85th and their caregivers were recruited from rural communities across four states participating in the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes IDeA States Pediatric Clinical Trials Network. One hundred four dyads were randomly assigned to iAmHealthy plus newsletter or newsletter-only control. Retention rates for each treatment arm were calculated. Blinding was assessed via the New Blinding Index (NBI). Child and parent BMI, child physical activity, and child dietary intake were assessed at baseline and post-treatment (6 months). A one-sample test of proportions indicated retention rates exceeded 75% for iAmHealthy (87%, p = .027) and control (96%, p < .001). Blinding was successful for both groups [iAmHealthy NBI = -0.12, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.13 to 0.36; control NBI = 0.02, 95% CI: -0.24 to 0.28]. There were no significant differences in health outcomes. This iAmHealthy multi-state feasibility RCT demonstrated high retention and successful blinding of assessors. Although the study was not powered to detect health outcome differences, iAmHealthy exhibited a tendency toward greater improvement or attenuated declines in child health outcomes, which supports the conduct of a future fully powered RCT. NCT04142034, Registered: 10-25-2019; Trial name: Feasibility Trial of the iAmHealthy Intervention; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04142034?cond=iamhealthy&checkSpell=false&rank=1.

Early childhood represents a key stage for the development of movement behaviors (MB), motor skills (MS), and executive functions (EF). Body Mass Index (BMI), defined according to World Health Organization (WHO) references, may influence these domains early in life. In this context, this cross-sectional observational study aimed to examine the associations between BMI and 24-h MB, MS, and EF in Tunisian preschool children aged 4 to 5 years. This cross-sectional observational study included 112 Tunisian children aged 4 to 5 years (50 boys, 62 girls), recruited from kindergartens in urban and rural areas. Anthropometric measurements were used to calculate age-specific BMI z-scores and classify children into three BMI categories: below normal, normal, and above normal. Twenty-four-hour MB physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep were objectively assessed using accelerometry over five consecutive days. EF (inhibition and working memory) were assessed using standardized cognitive tests, gross MS were evaluated using the Supine Timed Up and Go test (functional mobility), One-Leg Standing Balance test (postural steadiness), Hand Grip Dynamometer (upper body strength), and Standing Long Jump (lower body strength), and fine MS were assessed using the 9-Hole Pegboard Test (dexterity). All tools are validated and standardized for children. Significant differences between BMI categories were observed for anthropometric variables (p < 0.05). In contrast, no significant differences were found for 24-h MB, adherence to recommendations, EF, and MS (p > 0.05). Only Sleep duration showed a difference significantly between BMI < normal and BMI > normal (p = 0.022). In Tunisian preschool children, weight status is primarily associated with differences in physical growth, with no marked relationship to MB, EF, or MS. These findings highlight the importance of universal preventive interventions, particularly focusing on growth monitoring, starting in early childhood. These results should be interpreted with caution and highlight the need for further studies on larger populations to better understand the relationships between BMI, PA, and development in young children.

Associations between parental and child physical activity and screen time during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective: From a family perspective, this study aimed to examine the effects of a 12-week digital platform-based parent-child exercise intervention on children's behavioral level (physical activity), psychological level (physical exercise attitude), and mental health. Methods: This study included 218 students aged 10-11 years who underwent a 12-week standardized parent-child exercise intervention. The intervention group completed two structured parent-child tasks per week through a digital platform (Ding Talk App) while maintaining regular physical education classes; the control group only maintained their regular physical education classes. Assessments were conducted using the Physical Activity Rating Scale, Exercise Attitude Scale, and mental health scales (The Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS) and The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)) at four stages: pre-intervention (T1), mid-intervention (T2), post-intervention (T3), and a 2-month follow-up period (T4). The intervention effects and effect sizes (ηp2) were examined using Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance. Results: At the behavioral level, a significant group × time interaction was found for physical activity volume (F = 17.651, p = 0.04, ηp2 = 0.138), indicating the presence of a moderate effect. At the psychological level, significant interactions were observed across exercise attitude dimensions (behavioral attitude: F = 3.699, p = 0.002, ηp2 = 0.033; perceived behavioral control: F = 4.189, p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.037; subjective norm: F = 4.616, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.040) and mental health measures (depression: F = 4.009, p = 0.026, ηp2 = 0.044; anxiety: F = 3.1, p = 0.016, ηp2 = 0.020), though no significant effect was found for behavioral intention (F = 1.346, p = 0.259, ηp2 = 0.012), with all significant effects being relatively weak. Conclusions: The home-school collaborative, digital platform-based parent-child exercise intervention demonstrated positive effects on children's physical activity volume, exercise attitudes, and mental health, offering a feasible and promising strategy to support more integrated child health promotion initiatives.

Based on cognitive-behavioral and self-determination theories, this study examined differences in work-related well-being between managers and employees, focusing on perceived stress, life satisfaction, health, and income. It also explored the role of physical activity (PA) and its social support. Structural equation modeling supported the development of a well-being index. The sample included 446 employees and 110 managers, with a female majority (75.7%). Participants completed several demographic questions and two validated psychometric questionnaires, the Satisfaction with Life Scale and the Perceived Stress Scale, on the Qualtrics research platform. A multivariate analysis of covariance, controlling for age, PA, work environment, and education level, found that managers reported higher perceived income and life satisfaction than employees. However, the variance explained was under 4.0%. No significant interaction was found between gender and job position; however, women in both groups reported lower incomes than men. PA and its social support were positively correlated with life satisfaction and negatively correlated with stress. Childhood PA was linked to current PA, aligning with previous research. These findings suggest that the anecdotal well-being gap between managers and employees is far smaller when key influencing factors are controlled. The cross-cultural and gender-balanced reliability of these findings should be further evaluated.

Physical literacy (PL) is an important aspect of children motor development. This study aimed to analyze the longitudinal relationship between children's motor competence (MC) and physical activity (PA) including the mediational role of perceived PL and whether the invariance of the model remains consistent over time (Time 1 [T1] and 2 [T2]). The study involved 578 Spanish children (50% girls) aged 9.52years (SD = 3.50) at baseline, who participated voluntarily. Whereas PL and PA were associated at T1, positive associations among all the variables were only found at T2. Specifically, perceived PL acted as a mediator between actual MC and PA at T2 (p < .05), mainly due to the physical and psychological domains. Furthermore, model invariance was found between T1 and T2 for both the overall and according to the domains, confirming the model's stability over time. Longitudinal analysis at T2 (controlling for T1) showed that improvements in actual MC predicted increases in perceived PL, which in turn led to higher children's PA engagement. The findings highlight the importance of teachers and stakeholders in promoting MC and perceived PL, as a holistic perspective of self-perception in motor development, to encourage lifelong PA and health over time.

Physical activity (PA) is essential for adolescents' healthy development, yet many fall short of PA guidelines. Movement integration (MI)-infusing PA into regular classroom time-is a well-established approach to increasing elementary children's PA at school. However, less is known about MI in secondary school settings. This scoping review maps the breadth of empirical evidence on MI in secondary schools. This review adhered to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted across seven electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, ERIC [EBSCOhost], SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and PsycINFO) from November 10-15, 2023, and on August 5, 2025. Inclusion criteria centered on studies involving secondary school students and professionals. Exclusions applied to non-typically developing children and unpublished documents. MI strategies varied, with non-academic movement breaks (31 instances) and academic subject integration (28 instances) being the most common. The review included 44 studies published between 2014 and 2025. The studies originated from 11 countries and involved 59,973 participants. Two theoretical perspectives were prominent: social cognitive theory and the socio-ecological model. Methodological approaches included quantitative (28 studies), qualitative (10 studies), and mixed-methods (six studies) designs. Knowledge claims underscored student-centered benefits, the importance of contextual and institutional alignment, the feasibility and challenges of implementation, the adaptability of content for pedagogical integration, and the fact that no single MI strategy is universally sufficient for success. MI in secondary schools presents a viable PA promotion strategy for adolescents. Future research on MI in secondary school settings is warranted.

Accurately monitoring the screen exposure of young children is important for research related to screen use, such as childhood obesity, physical activity, and social interaction. Most existing studies rely upon self-report or manual measures from bulky wearable sensors, thus lacking efficiency and accuracy in capturing quantitative screen exposure data. In this work, we developed a novel screen detection framework that utilizes egocentric images from a wearable sensor, named the screen time tracker (STT), and a vision language model (VLM). In particular, we devised a multi-view VLM that takes multiple views from egocentric image streams and interprets screen exposure dynamically. We validated our approach by using a dataset of children's free-living activities, demonstrating significant improvement over existing methods in conventional vision language models and object detection models. The combination of a vision language model and a lightweight hardware design provides a novel solution in screen detection for children. The proposed framework has great potential to benefit children's behavioral study. The code is available at https://github.com/YGanLab/MV-VLM.

Evaluating physical activity in children is crucial for determining functional limitations and promoting healthy growth. The Hospital for Special Surgery Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale (HSS Pedi-FABS) is a valid, concise tool that assesses activity levels of children and adolescents participating in sports. There is currently no validated Turkish version. We sought to (1) translate and cross-culturally adapt the HSS Pedi-FABS into Turkish and (2) evaluate the scale's psychometric properties in a Turkish pediatric and adolescent population. The HSS Pedi-FABS was translated and culturally adapted following established guidelines. Physically active, healthy, and Turkish-speaking children and adolescents aged 8 to 17 years were included in the study. The exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) orthopedic/neurological conditions limiting functional activity, (2) language difficulties that could limit comprehension, (3) cognitive impairments, (4) illiteracy, (5) major organ failure, (6) malignancy, and (7) refusal to participate. Psychometric evaluation included internal consistency (Cronbach's α), test-retest (t1-t2) reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient), construct validity (correlation with existing physical activity questionnaires), and floor/ceiling effects. Fifty-five participants were included in the study. The Turkish version of the HSS Pedi-FABS (Turkish HSS Pedi-FABS) showed good internal and excellent test-retest reliability. Construct validity was demonstrated with strong correlations between the Turkish questionnaire and comparator instruments. No floor or ceiling effects were found as the minimum score was observed in <15% of participants (5.5% at t1) and the maximum score was not observed. The Turkish HSS Pedi-FABS is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing physical activity in healthy children and adolescents. It can be used for both clinical and research purposes. Level II: validation study.

Screen use and physical activity in children under 6 years old: what has changed after the COVID-19 pandemic?

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are widely recognized as risk factors for various negative health outcomes. However, the impact of ACEs on different domains of physical activity in adulthood remains underexplored. Understanding these associations is crucial for designing effective interventions to promote physical activity and reduce health disparities in vulnerable populations. This study aimed to investigate the cumulative effects of ACEs on occupational, leisure-time, and transport-related physical activity among middle-aged and elderly adults. Using the life history survey data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2014 and the subsequent follow-up data in 2015, multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association between the number of ACEs and the physical activity participation different domains: Occupational Physical Activity (OPA), which refers to work-related physical activity; Leisure-Time Physical Activity (LTPA), which includes recreational physical activities; and TPA (transport-related physical activity), which refers to the physical activities caused by cycling and walking in order to reach the destination. Twelve ACEs including physical abuse, emotional neglect, household substance abuse, household mental illness, domestic violence, incarceration of a household member, parental separation or divorce, unsafe neighborhood, bullying, parental death, sibling death, and parental disability. After adjusting for covariates, the OPA compliance rate was significantly increased in people with 4 or more ACEs (OR = 1.61, 95%CI = 1.33-1.94, P < 0.001), while the LTPA compliance rate was significantly decreased compared with those without ACEs (OR = 0.77, 95%CI = 0.63-0.94, P < 0.001). In addition, there was a dose-response relationship between the number of ACEs and the OPA and LTPA participation rates(P-trend < 0.001). ACEs have different associations with participation in different areas of physical activity in middle-aged and elderly people. When promoting participation in physical activity, more attention should be paid to middle-aged and elderly people with ACEs.

Physical activity levels decline as children transition into adolescence. Preventing this trend may contribute to beneficial physical activity patterns later in life. Examining children's and parents' beliefs and behaviors can provide insight for designing (family-based) physical activity interventions. Groups of inactive parent-child dyads (N = 48) were interviewed about their dyadic and individual experiences of physical activity; salient psychological, social, and environmental factors; and ideas about how to improve their physical activity participation. The interviews were analyzed inductively using reflexive thematic analysis. Enjoyment was a key motivator of participant physical activity and required physical activity was also enjoyable. Lack of time, lack of self-control, and screen time were identified as barriers, and participants noted a loss of coactivity. The findings suggest avenues and preferences for future interventions, including fostering autonomous motivation, supporting the internalization of controlled forms of motivation, increasing opportunities for physical activity, and developing action control skills.

Background. Physical inactivity among children has risen globally, driven by sedentary behaviors and technology-mediated lifestyles. Emerging research suggests that virtual reality (VR) and gamification may serve as effective digital interventions for promoting physical activity (PA) and improving children’s health outcomes. Objectives. This systematic review aimed to synthesize and critically evaluate the current evidence on VR- and gamification-based interventions designed to promote PA among children, with a focus on intervention characteristics, theoretical mechanisms, effectiveness, and implementation considerations. Methods. Peer-reviewed studies were retrieved from Scopus, ERIC, and the ACM Digital Library. Eligible studies included intervention research involving children and adolescents aged 5–18 years that applied VR, exergaming, or gamified digital interventions to promote PA or related health outcomes. Data were extracted and synthesized according to intervention typology, theoretical underpinnings, outcomes, and implementation features. Results. The review included 11 intervention studies published between 2021 and 2025. Overall, VR- and gamification-based interventions demonstrated positive effects on PA engagement, motor outcomes, and selected psychosocial indicators. Effective designs commonly integrated goal setting, feedback, social comparison, and reward mechanisms, often aligned with Self-Determination Theory and Social Cognitive Theory. Key implementation barriers included cost, accessibility, and staffing requirements, while facilitators involved remote delivery models, stakeholder engagement, and the use of consumer-level hardware. Conclusions. VR and gamification hold significant potential for promoting children’s PA when interventions are theoretically grounded and well implemented. However, evidence for long-term effectiveness, sustainability, and equitable access remains limited, underscoring the need for longitudinal research and scalable, inclusive intervention models.

Physical activity and motor competence are not only critical for children’s physical health but are also associated with social integration and emotional wellbeing. Children who are physically competent and engaged in regular physical activity are often perceived more positively by their peers, while those with lower activity levels or motor skills may experience social exclusion or bullying. This study explores how profiles based on cardiorespiratory fitness, motor competence, perceived sport and physical competence, and device-measured physical activity relate to bullying experiences and the perceived classroom peer context (CRPC). This cross-sectional study aimed to create profiles based on cardiorespiratory fitness, motor competence, perceived sport and physical competence, and device-measured physical activity, and to examine their association with being bullied and perceived CRPC. All variables were assessed in 339 Finnish schoolchildren. Latent profile analysis was used to identify the profiles. Regression models were employed to analyse the likelihood of being bullied and ANOVA was conducted to examine the differences in CRPC across the profiles Three profiles were identified: highly physically active and competent, moderately physically active and competent, and poorly physically active and competent. Children in the poorly physically active and competent profile were 3.8 times more likely to be bullied than children in the highly physically active and competent profile, and 2.2 times more likely to be bullied than children in the moderately physically active and competent profile. Also, children in poorly physically active and competent profile reported the lowest levels of peer acceptance and social support. This study highlights the significant role of physical activity and competence profiles in shaping children’s experiences with bullying, social support, and peer acceptance. Children with lower physical activity and competence were most likely to be bullied and reported the lowest levels of peer acceptance and social support. These findings underscore the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive peer environment, as well as encouraging physical activity in children, to enhance both their physical wellbeing and social integration within the classroom. Support/Funding Source: Academy of Finland: The Strategic Research Council.

Purpose: Low childhood family socioeconomic status (SES) predicts less healthy lifestyles in adulthood. Differences in socioeconomic lifestyle factors are already evident in childhood and continue into adulthood. Although much research has been conducted on the relationship between childhood family SES and physical activity (PA), there is little evidence of how the childhood family SES in urban and rural environments affects PA in adulthood. The aim of this study was to determine how family SES of urban and rural children is related to adult PA by answering the research question how family SES of rural and urban children is associated with adult PA. Methods: We used population-based cohort data from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986. Participants’ (n = 9,432) parents reported residential environment and family SES when the participants were seven years old (n = 8,370). At age 35, participants underwent clinical measurements (n = 1,807) and completed questionnaires (n = 3,322) about health, health behaviours and SES. PA data were collected with the Oura ring (n = 1,578). The final data consisted of 813 participants. We used linear models to study the associations of the childhood residential environment and SES with PA in adulthood. Results: Difference in total daily PA minutes was 40.99 min greater in the unadjusted model for male participants living in rural environment during childhood and whose family had high SES (p &lt; 0.001). After adjusting with BMI, work strenuousness, and adulthood residential environment the difference was 26.73 min (p = 0.043) greater. Difference in male participants’ daily light PA minutes was 40.38 min greater in the unadjusted model (p &lt; 0.001) and 27.64 min greater in the adjusted model (p = 0.023). Conclusion: High SES children who have lived in a rural environment during childhood had more PA in adulthood than high SES children who have lived in urban environment. According to our results, efforts to promote an active lifestyle should consider family SES and residential environment during childhood. Support/Funding Source: The research was funded by Stiftelsen Alma och K. A. Snellman Foundation, Päivikki and Sakari Sohlberg Foundation, Juho Vainio Foundation and Ministry of Education and Culture (Grant Number OKM/28/626/2023). Keywords: Physical activity, socioeconomic status, residential environment, urban, rural, life-course

Relevance. In modern society, where the number of children suffering from diseases related to insufficient physical activity is increasing every year, the relevance of studying the factors of demand for physical education and sports services for children is growing. It is important to understand which services are of interest to children and their parents, and what factors influence the choice of sports activities and sports organizations. In a regional context, studying the topic is an important step towards increasing children's physical activity and, consequently, improving their overall well-being. The purpose is to identify the specifics of the factors influencing the demand for physical education, recreation and sports services for children in Kursk. Objectives: to analyze the concept of physical education and recreation and sports services; to analyze the demand for physical education and recreation and sports services for children; to identify the main factors influencing the development of the market of physical education and recreation services; to study the preferences of parents when choosing physical education and recreation services and sports organizations for their children. Methodology. The article uses basic general scientific methods (analysis, synthesis, generalization), as well as special sociological methods (correlation analysis, analysis of variance). The empirical basis of the study was the data of a sociological survey in the questionnaire format among parents of minor children (n=380) living in Kursk. Results. The categories of physical education and recreation and sports services are analyzed; the features of physical education and recreation services in general and the characteristic features of childhood that determine the specifics of the provision of these services are highlighted. Based on our own empirical research, the criteria for choosing physical education and wellness services and their main demand factors have been laid out. Conclusions. The main factors in demand for physical education and sports services for children are non-price (psychological and physiological health of the child, his desires and hobbies, safety in the classroom, qualifications of coaches). The price factor is important for parents, but to a somewhat lesser extent.