Review article

https://doi.org/10.26582/k.49.2.14

Physical activity prevalence in Australian children and adolescents: why do different surveys provide so different estimates, and what can we do about it?

Željko Pedišić ; Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
Amy Zhong ; Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Louise L. Hardy ; Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Jo Salmon ; Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
Anthony D. Okely ; Early Start Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
Josephine Chau ; Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Hidde P. van der Ploeg ; Department of Public and Occupational Health, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Adrian Bauman ; Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia

Abstract

To illustrate how the differences in measurement protocols affect physical activity (PA) monitoring among Australian children and adolescents aged ~5-17 years, this review aimed to summarize and critically assess the most recent findings from the national and state or territory health surveillance systems and population surveys. We compared methods and results of 21 population surveys identified in an extensive web-based search conducted using the entries ‘Physical Activity’, ‘Surveillance’, ‘Monitoring’, ‘Survey’, ‘Australia’ and the names of Australian states and territories as keywords. A large variability between PA prevalence rates from different Australian national- and state-level surveys was observed, both for selfreported and pedometer-based estimates. The prevalence estimates tended to be: [i] higher among children when compared with adolescents; [ii] higher for boys than for girls when assessed using self-reports; and [iii] higher for girls than for boys when assessed using pedometers. The true prevalence of compliance with PA guidelines among children and adolescents in Australia seems to be difficult to determine. To ensure comparability of prevalence estimates, key elements of data collection and processing protocols, such as PA questionnaires, survey administration modes, survey time frames, and definitions of a ‘sufficient’ PA level, should be standardised throughout all PA surveillance systems and population surveys in Australia.

Keywords

motor activity; sedentary lifestyle; child; adolescent; surveillance

Hrčak ID:

183011

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/183011

Publication date:

12.12.2017.

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