Ecological model of physical fitness determinants among children and adolescents in Poland compared to worldwide research, part 1.

Abstract

Research aim: 1. Understanding the level of physical activity among children and adolescents in 38 countries around the world, based on research conducted using the ecological model by JF Sallis, 2. Assessment regarding the functioning of the ecological model of physical activity in Poland in light of the research results obtained by the organisation "Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance ( AHKGA)". Research methods: Analysis of documents issued by members of the AHKGA organisation with particular emphasis on the publications found in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 2016, 13 (Suppl. 2), S343-S366. http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2016-0594 © 2016 Human Kinetics, Inc., as well as Polish reports, bulletins and ordinances of the Ministry of Health and Sport, the government and social organisations. Research results: The conducted research on physical fitness among children and youth from 38 countries of four continents proved the existence of a paradox. An inverse relationship has been found between increased physical activity in all forms of games, in active transport to schools (and back), and a lower sedentary lifestyle of children and adolescents in countries with poorer sport and recreational infrastructure. Better infrastructure and implementation of sports and recreation programmes did not go hand in hand with an increase in physical activity and the limitation of sedentary behaviours. It can therefore be assumed that spontaneous, unorganised participation in physical activity is more important for achieving desired pedagogical goals than supervised and imposed activation programmes for implementing physical exercises. The highest marks from the components of the ecological model taken into account (General Physical Activity, Participation in Organised Sport, Active Play, Active Transport, Sedentary Behaviour, Family and Friends, School, Local Community and Surroundings. Government Strategies and Investments) were obtained by Denmark, Slovenia and the Netherlands... Surprisingly, the functioning of the ecological model of physical activity in Japan was poorly assessed. The physical activity of Polish children can be considered average compared to their peers living on all continents of the world. This means that only a small percentage of children in Poland comply with WHO recommendations regarding daily physical activity (combined at medium and high levels) to counteract the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle. There is no balanced approach in Poland to supporting the physical activity of children and adolescents. The best functioning area in this respect is the school, where activities are focused on improving school infrastructure and physical education classes. There is a lack of representative research concerning the physical activity of children below the age of 9 and a complete lack of scientific analyses in the area of active play. The fact that less than a quarter of children and youth in Poland (11-15 years) is sufficiently physically active (20.1-24.2% active for 60 min daily), should be considered alarming. Assessment of the central policy area and investment was positive, especially due to the inclusion of elements related to supporting the activity of children and youth in the Strategy for the Development of Sport in Poland up to 2020. Conclusions. It is necessary to implement a common framework for the systematic supervision of overweightness and obesity among children and adolescents, as well as a systematic approach to the evaluation of physical activity. Such actions are necessary. Systematic monitoring of changes regarding the physical activity development trend over time and drawing cognitive and application conclusions from the undertaken research are also much needed.