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Results From the Active Healthy Kids Scotland COVID-19 Report Card on Physical Activity and Health for Children and Youth
Get PDFPurpose: Research has reported declines in physical activity (PA) and increases in screen time in children and adolescents worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is unclear how the pandemic has impacted Scotland. The Active Healthy Kids Scotland COVID-19 Report Card aimed to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on PA and health of Scottish children and adolescents, assess changes in socio-economic and gender inequalities, and evaluate relevant policy responses to COVID-19.
Methods: An expert panel graded ten PA and health indicators – Sedentary Behaviour, Overall PA, Organised Sport and PA, Active Play, Active Transportation, Physical Fitness, Diet, Obesity, Family and Peer Influence, and Community and Environment – primarily utilising nationally representative data between 2020 and 2022 (post-COVID-19) with comparable data prior to 2020 (pre-COVID-19). Adopting the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance methodology, grades were determined based on the percentage of children and adolescents meeting established benchmarks for each indicator. The Government and Policy indicator was graded based on a pragmatic adaptation of the Health-Enhancing Physical Activity Policy Audit Tool version 2.
Results: The following post-COVID-19 grades were assigned with comparison to the pre-COVID-19 grades (pre/post): Organised Sport and PA (B–/B); Active Transportation (C–/C). The remaining indicators were graded as ‘INC’ (inconclusive). Changes in socio-economic and/or gender inequalities from pre- to post-COVID-19 were found for the following indicators: Sedentary Behaviour, Overall PA, Organised Sport and PA, Diet, Obesity, and Family and Peer Influence. Policy response to COVID-19 was graded as A– (PA) and B (Diet).
Conclusion: Although grades for Organised Sport and PA and Active Transportation remained stable, there was limited public health data to comprehensively examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland. For many indicators, there were no suitable pre-COVID-19 and/or post-COVID-19 data, due to pandemic-related disruptions in national monitoring and declines in surveillance before the pandemic. The findings do suggest that inequalities have persisted and/or worsened for some indicators. Notwithstanding, there was evidence of good policies on physical activity and diet put in place to mitigate the effects of COVID-19
Skip a Rope for Fitness (SkaRF): A School-Based Intervention to Promote Physical Activity and Fundamental Movement Skills in Maltese Children
Get PDFPhysical inactivity among children is a growing concern across Europe. In Malta, only 24% of eleven-year-olds meet the WHO’s recommended 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) daily. The SkaRF (Skip a Rope for Fitness) project was developed as a school-based intervention to increase physical activity and improve motor competence through rope skipping.
This quasi-experimental study was implemented over three years with students aged 8 to 11. In Phase 1, 60 Year 4 students were divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group engaged in 15-minute daily skipping sessions for four weeks. In Phase 2, the former control group joined the intervention in Year 5. In Phase 3, all students repeated the four-week intervention in Year 6. Five testing points were recorded: pre- and post-intervention in Phases 1 and 2, and post-intervention in Phase 3.
Measures included fitness tests (20 m t-test, 540 m run, standing broad jump), rope skipping (qualitative and quantitative), BMI, and five-day accelerometry (ActiGraph GT3X) for MVPA and sedentary time. Paired samples t-test examined changes over time, while independent samples t-test compared gender differences.
No baseline differences were observed between groups. By the end of Phase 2, only the 20 m agility t-test showed a significant advantage for the experimental group. However, the experimental group consistently outperformed in rope skipping skills at all stages, suggesting early exposure had lasting benefits.
Initial gender differences in favour of boys were seen in the 540 m and standing broad jump tests but were not maintained beyond Phase 1. Notably, girls showed superior rope skipping performance across all phases.
Despite the intervention, MVPA levels never exceeded 45 minutes, and sedentary time remained close to eight hours per day, underlining the need for effective school-based interventions. Teacher feedback affirmed the feasibility of incorporating structured skipping sessions into the school day to boost activity levels and reduce classroom sedentary time.
The study concludes that short, low-cost interventions can effectively improve motor competence, particularly when introduced early. Expanding the programme nationally and ensuring access to equipment and space in schools is recommended to support active lifestyles among children
The Impact of Physical Activity on Hormonal Responses and Cognitive Efficiency During a Simulated Workday in Men and Women: Preliminary Findings
Get PDFPurpose: This study aimed to investigate the impact of moderate-intensity physical activity, performed before and after an 8-hour simulated workday, on hormonal responses and cognitive efficiency, and to compare these effects between women and men.
Methods: Twenty healthy men and women aged 18–36 years were randomly assigned to control (n = 20) and exercise (n = 20) protocols. During the exercise protocol, participants performed 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity on a cycle ergometer before and after a simulated 8-hour workday. The simulated workday consisted of eight cognitive test sessions from the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics 4 (ANAM4), with each session lasting 45–50 minutes. To assess psycho-emotional changes, participants completed a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) on a 10 cm horizontal line. Salivary samples were collected, and biochemical analysis of cortisol and testosterone levels was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methodology.
Results: The study demonstrated significantly higher testosterone levels in men compared to women (p < 0.05) in both the exercise and control protocols, along with a tendency towards higher cortisol levels in women. Testosterone levels increased in both men and women following two hours of cognitive work and after the 8-hour workday in the exercise protocol. Although no significant gender differences were observed in subjective psycho-emotional responses (p > 0.05), both men and women reported increased mental fatigue (p < 0.05) and decreased motivation (p < 0.05) after eight hours of cognitive work. Significant decreases in memory and cognitive efficiency (p < 0.05) were observed in both genders and across both protocols. However, a tendency towards better cognitive efficiency was noted in the exercise protocol.
Conclusion: Moderate-intensity physical activity before and after prolonged cognitive work may support hormonal balance and help preserve cognitive performance. While both women and men showed increased mental fatigue and reduced motivation, the exercise protocol was associated with a tendency towards better cognitive efficiency, highlighting the potential benefits of physical activity during mentally demanding days. More data is needed to confirm the results.
Support/Funding Source: Study was funded by Lithuanian Sports University
The Role of Culture in Physical Activity Adherence Among Older Individuals With Diabetes and/or Chronic Kidney Disease in Saudi Arabia: Dyadic Perspectives From Patients and Caregivers
Get PDFBackground: Physical activity (PA) is vital for maintaining health, mobility, and wellbeing in later life. However, many older adults in Saudi Arabia encounter barriers that prevent them from remaining active. These obstacles are often deeply ingrained in cultural values, gender expectations, family roles, and environmental factors like climate. To comprehend what facilitates or obstructs older adults from participating in PA, it is essential to listen not only to them but also to their caregivers. Including caregivers provides additional insight into barriers and facilitators, as they directly influence older adults’ ability to engage in physical activities.
Aim: To explore cultural factors influencing PA adherence among older adults from the perspective of older adults and their caregivers.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 15 older adults and their 15 family caregivers (15 dyads) in Northern Saudi Arabia. Dyads explored daily routines, beliefs about ageing and activity, and the role of family and culture in PA.
Results: The early findings reveal that cultural expectations surrounding age, gender, and family roles significantly influence the perception and practice of PA. When PA occurred, it typically served a functional purpose, such as walking to the mosque or moving around the home, rather than for leisure. A recurring theme was the notion of balance; both older adults and caregivers continually evaluated the benefits of remaining active against the risks of fatigue, illness, or social disapproval. Many older adults expressed a preference for a quiet, restful life centred on family, while caregivers were often faced with trying to weigh up the benefits of PA with concern for their loved one, uncertain about how much activity was safe or suitable.
Conclusion: This study provides insight into how cultural and relational dynamics influence PA in later life. The findings indicate that efforts to promote active ageing in this context must be culturally sensitive, family-oriented, and realistic about the physical and social environments in which older people reside.
Keywords: Physical activity, DM, CKD, older adults, cultur
Urban Dynamics and Equity in Motion: Local Policies on Physical Activity. The Case of Cluj-Napoca, in the Light of International IMPAQT BPEs
Get PDFPurpose: This study examines how local policies in Cluj-Napoca, Romania – a rapidly urbanising and economically dynamic city – promote physical activity (PA) through free-access sports infrastructure. It aims to understand how such initiatives reflect broader commitments to spatial justice, health equity, and inclusive urban development.
Recent municipal investments – such as bike lane networks, free-access sports complexes, and public park fitness installations –reflect a growing political commitment to inclusive urban health. These interventions unfold in a highly privatised sports sector and raise questions about equity, accessibility, and the lived experience of these spaces by different social groups.
Methods: Employing public policy evaluation tools combined with sociological analysis to assess municipal interventions such as bike lanes, free-access sports complexes, and public park fitness installations. The study analyses policy documents, governance frameworks, and urban planning practices and includes interviews with key stakeholders to evaluate how these measures address inequalities in access to PA infrastructure.
Results: Preliminary findings reveal a mismatch between political intentions and on-the-ground access. While infrastructure has expanded, marginalised and lower-income populations report limited usability due to locational and design constraints. The city’s efforts are shaped by a highly privatised sports sector, which influences public accessibility. These findings contribute to the identification of national best practice exemplars (BPEs) under the IMPAQT framework.
Conclusion: Cluj-Napoca illustrates the complexities of promoting equitable PA in contemporary urban settings. This sub-national level case study provides an understanding of BPEs, as a national benchmark, highlighting how local governments navigate the complexities of promoting physical activity in contemporary cities. It emphasises the importance of local policy analysis to understand how public spaces for PA are not only available but meaningfully accessible to all, including marginalised-less-visible groups.
Support/Funding Source: project IMPAQT, funded from Ireland, Health Research Board; Poland, National Centre for Research and Development; Germany, Federal Ministry of Education and Research; The Netherlands, The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development; Romania, Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding; Lithuania, Research Council of Lithuania, under the umbrella of the Partnership Fostering, a European Research Area for Health (ERA4Health)
Associations Between Physical Activity, Social Wellbeing, and Study Engagement Among Finnish Students
Get PDFPurpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the cross-sectional associations between physical activity, social wellbeing, and study engagement among Finnish early adolescents. Despite growing interest in these topics, previous research has largely overlooked their interconnectedness. This study aims to fill that gap by providing new insights into how these variables associate with one another.
Methods: A total of 813 Finnish adolescents participated in the study (426 girls, 346 boys, and 41 with missing gender information). The sample included 362 grade five students and 451 grade eight students. Students’ physical activity, social wellbeing, and study engagement were measured using a questionnaire comprising the following validated instruments: physical activity was measured using a self-reported questionnaire, social wellbeing was measured with the Classroom Peer Context Questionnaire, and study engagement was measured using the Schoolwork Engagement Inventory. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation coefficients.
Results: Study engagement was assessed through three dimensions: energy, dedication, and absorption. A statistically significant small correlation was found between physical activity and energy (.127, p < .001) whereas no association was found between physical activity and dedication (.078, p .031) or absorption (.052, p .146). From the five subdimensions of social wellbeing, physical activity was associated with comfort (.145, (p < .001), cooperation (.125, p < .001), and cohesion (.109, p .002), but not with conflict (–.051, p < .157) and isolation (–.047, p < .194).
Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that adolescents’ physical activity is positively linked to study engagement and social wellbeing. In other words, students with higher physical activity also have higher study engagement and social wellbeing, and vice versa. The associations were significant but weak, indicating the need for further research using more diverse and comprehensive analytical methods to better understand the broader role of physical activity in supporting adolescents’ overall school experience.
Support/Funding Source: This research was funded by the Strategic Research Council of Finland [Grant Number 1352509]. Study is part of the SchoolWell consortium which is a large multidisciplinary consortium that studies children’s comprehensive wellbeing at school in Finland
Co-Approaches Used With Adolescents for Health in Secondary School: A Rapid Review
Get PDFIntroduction: School based health interventions are a key setting in which to address health inequalities and health deficits of young people and future adult populations. Co- methodologies are being promoted as a ‘best buy’ approach to developing interventions that are contextually relevant and that may ultimately enable the intended behaviour change. Co- approaches, including co-production, co-design, and co-creation, are however terms used without any one single definition, and what these mean in practice varies widely. In secondary schools, a school’s competing priorities can make implementing co- approaches challenging. The aim of this rapid review was to examine the use of the co-production, co-design, and co-creation approaches in a secondary school setting. Specifically, it reports on co- approaches adopted, the framework used to inform the process, details of the methods, and the experience of the stakeholders involved.
Methods: Following the guidelines for rapid reviews (Kings et al., 2022), studies that explicitly used the terms co-production, co-design, or co-creation in the design of health behaviour change interventions in secondary schools were included. PubMed and ERIC were searched in September 2024.
Results: A total of 1,189 studies were identified, and following screening, six were included. Studies were conducted in the United States (n = 2), Ireland, Australia, Germany, and other parts of Europe. Four studies focused on wellbeing and mental health and two on physical health through physical activity. Five studies described the process adopted as co-creation and one as co-design. Only one study attempted to provide a definition of the co- approach adopted and whilst two studies investigated stakeholder experiences of the co- approach process, only one study reported these data. The studies used a range of frameworks to guide the co- approach activities including the double diamond framework, COM-B model, living lab approach, process-based counselling framework and UPRIGHT framework. They involved a narrow range of stakeholders that included families, pupils, teachers, and volunteers at different stages of the co- approach process.
Conclusion: Each study engaged stakeholders differently at various stages of the co- approach process and with a wide range of activities. Co-creation was the term most commonly used, but what this meant for each study varied, and evaluation of the co- approach was rarely reported
S01-5: Integrating Physical Activity for Global, Public, and Individual Health Outcomes
Get PDFPurpose: This Joint Statement proposes a coordinated, forward-looking strategy to address the global crisis of physical inactivity (PI), which significantly contributes to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), mental health challenges, and health inequities across the lifespan. It presents a roadmap for a more active, healthier, and sustainable future by outlining key challenges, targeted recommendations, and the role of relevant stakeholders at the global, public, and individual level. The approach targets all age groups and socio-economic contexts and is innovative in its integration of systems-based thinking, digital health technologies, and health-promoting environments, all aligned with international frameworks such as the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (WHO GAPPA), the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Health in All Policies (HiAP) approach.
Project or Policy Description: Although not yet implemented, this Joint Statement has been developed collaboratively by academic institutions, public health organisations, and civil society stakeholders across several European countries. It offers a strategic vision built on four guiding principles: prevention, inclusion, personalisation, and digital innovation.
Development: This roadmap was co-created based on multidisciplinary, international collaboration and guided through existing research and policy frameworks.
Implementation (Proposed): This proposal outlines future steps to integrate PA into global health policies, foster active public spaces (e.g. schools, workplaces), and deploy accessible, personalised digital tools to support individuals in adopting physically active lifestyles.
Evaluation (Future): Recommendations have been formulated for measuring effectiveness through indicators such as stakeholder engagement, policy changes, health outcomes, and equity improvements.
Dissemination (Future): Broader dissemination is envisioned through EU-wide networks, public campaigns, and open-access resources, with the goal of supporting large-scale adoption and adaptation.
Conclusions: This Joint Statement serves as a blueprint for action, not yet implemented, but grounded in evidence and collective ambition. It outlines how coordinated efforts across policy, community, and individuals have the potential to transform the way physical activity is promoted and embedded in daily life. By providing a comprehensive roadmap – linking challenges, strategies, and stakeholders – it aims to catalyse systemic change, ensuring physical activity becomes a central pillar of healthier and more equitable societies in the years to come.
Support/Funding Source: None.
Keywords: Physical inactivity, health promotion, policy roadma
S03-1: Leveraging Citizen Science to Improve Exercise-Friendliness in a Low SES Neighbourhood: A First-Generation Study of the Co-Development of Walking Routes in The Netherlands
Get PDFPurpose: The purpose of this project was to improve exercise-friendliness of a low SES neighbourhood in the Netherlands. This neighbourhood was chosen because it scored below average on important health parameters like self-efficacy, resilience, and quality of life.
Methods: We followed the Our Voice citizen science method, involving six steps of design thinking. To gather data on environmental attributes contributing to or impeding an exercise-friendly neighbourhood, we used the Discovery Tool app to conduct research walks, and simultaneously interviewed citizen scientists. All gathered data were analysed by citizen scientists with the goal of defining common themes. Based on these themes, citizen scientists developed ideas to improve the neighbourhood, regarding exercise opportunities.
After prioritising one of the ideas, a survey was distributed to gather information on relevant prerequisites and a prototype was developed. The prototype was extensively tested and refined by citizen scientists until the final design was ready. At this stage government officials took over responsibility and implemented the final design. After project conclusion, we interviewed citizen scientists about their sense of engagement and learnings throughout the project.
Results: Twenty-two citizen scientists participated in the research walks, leading to 118 photos of relevant neighbourhood features. Analysis of these photos led to the definition of five common themes: nature, grey features, sports & play, exercise/recreational routes, and maintenance. Based on the themes, ten ideas were formulated, out of which walking routes were prioritised. Citizen scientists developed a walking route passing all art objects in the neighbourhood. Prerequisites (e.g. length, accessibility, safety, and signage) were taken into account. Prototype testing led to refinement of the route, inclusion of more art objects, and higher engagement of the citizen scientists. In the end, the neighbourhood walking route was realised. Citizen scientists indicated that they felt satisfied having contributed to the project, just for being able to do something for the neighbourhood.
Conclusions: Citizen science proved to be a valuable tool to work on actual improvement of the neighbourhood, reflecting residents’ wishes. It is also a powerful way to engage residents to neighbourhood projects.
Support/Funding Source: This study was funded by ZonMw, The Netherlands
S05-2: The Role of Movement in Adolescence: The Impact of Short-Term Dance Exergaming on Cognitive Functions and Wellbeing
Get PDFPurpose: The growing prevalence of sedentary lifestyles among adolescents, coupled with excessive screen time and declining levels of physical activity (PA), has become a significant public health concern (Guthold et al., 2020; WHO, 2021). These trends are often associated with cognitive decline, reduced attention spans, and increasing symptoms of psychological distress (Lukoševičiūtė & Šmigelskas, 2022; Twenge & Campbell, 2018). Simultaneously, research suggests that integrating PA with digital engagement – such as through exergaming – can yield cognitive and emotional benefits for youth (Bediou et al., 2018; Serrano et al., 2021). Dance-oriented exergames, such as Just Dance, provide an opportunity to combine physical movement with cognitive stimulation, potentially enhancing adolescents’ executive functions, memory, and psychological resilience. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a short-term intervention combining traditional functional training with dance-based exergaming on adolescents’ cognitive abilities and psychological wellbeing.
Methods: A four-week experimental programme was conducted involving 63 physically active adolescents aged 13–15 years. Participants were randomly assigned to either a functional training group (FT) or a functional training plus Just Dance group (FT + JD), engaging in structured sessions three times per week. Cognitive performance was assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Trail-Making Test, Stroop Test, and Visual Digit Span Test. Psychological wellbeing was measured using the WHO-5 index.
Results: Both research groups improved reaction time, while only the FT + JD group exhibited significant improvement in working memory (p < 0.05). No significant change in psychological wellbeing was observed in either group, although gender differences in wellbeing scores were present throughout the study.
Conclusions: The findings indicate that supplementing traditional training with dance-based exergaming can selectively enhance cognitive functions, such as reaction speed and working memory, without necessarily influencing broader psychological wellbeing. These results highlight the potential of exergaming as an engaging, youth-friendly tool in physical education and extracurricular programmes, particularly for enhancing cognitive engagement. Further longitudinal research is needed to assess the long-term psychological impact and scalability of such interventions in educational settings.
Keywords: cognitive abilities, adolescents, Just Dance, wellbeing, extracurricular activitie