Low level of physical activity among children and adolescents is becoming one of the major public health challenges. Experts warn that insufficient exercise increases the risk of, among others, overweight and obesity and cardiovascular diseases. The consequences can be seen already in childhood, but they often continue into adulthood. At the same time, only a small percentage of young Poles meet the minimum recommendations of the World Health Organisation regarding daily physical activity.
“Regular physical activity is beneficial for the development of the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal system, helps maintain normal body weight, improves mental health, sleep quality and cognitive functions. In turn, sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of overweight and obesity, metabolic disorders, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and emotional and social problems,” said dr Anna Dzielska, Assistant Professor, Acting Head of Department of Child and Adolescent Health, Institute of Mother and Child, main researcher in the B-Challenged project, in an interview with the Newseria agency.
According to the guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO), children and adolescents should perform moderate or vigorous physical activity on average for 60 minutes a day. Aerobic exercises are particularly recommended.
“In addition, exercises strengthening muscles and bones should be introduced at least three times a week. The general rule for children’s physical activity is the more the better, preferably outdoors. Every step counts – we should stand instead of sitting and move instead of standing. Let’s do what brings us joy. The younger the children, the more all-round the exercise should be, instead of focussing on one specific sports discipline. As parents and carers, let’s create opportunities for children to try various activities, sports disciplines and types of exercise. Let’s move together with children to lead them by example and model the right behaviours,” said Hanna Nałęcz, PhD in Physical Culture, Assistant Professor at the Department of Education and Psychology, Faculty of Physical Education, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw.
The research carried out among children in Poland on the basis of information gathered under the Global Matrix (GM) 4.0. project, shows that only a small percentage of youngest children meet the WHO recommendations regarding physical activity. The data cited in the publication “Physical activity of children and adolescents” of 2022 demonstrate that, depending on the age interval and specific study, the percentage is between 15 and 20. In turn, the report “WF z AWF (PE with AWF)”, 94 percent of children in Poland do not demonstrate a sufficient level of motor skills. Even in sports schools, this applies to 83 percent of pupils. Half of children aged 8–12 reach the minimum level of physical literacy (coordination, balance, control of the body).
“As a result, the basic functions of physical activity in children’s development are not fulfilled. This results in the lack of stimulation for physical and psychosocial development, impaired adaptation abilities, lower compensation for negative environmental factors and the lack of actions with a potential to correct early development disorders and promote health. It should be borne in mind that physical activity impacts all elements of human health: physical health and fitness, wellbeing and mental health, social relations and the relationship with the surrounding nature,” added dr Hanna Nałęcz.
“Scientific literature emphasises that the lack of physical activity among children and adolescents is becoming a global public health issue. The lack of exercise is common in developed and developing countries, while its health-related consequences generate considerable social and economic costs. In addition, the WHO indicates that the level of physical activity has not improved considerably in recent decades despite the growing health awareness. One of the key factors responsible for this trend is the increased time spend in front of screens of digital devices and limited spontaneous activity and play outdoors,” dr Anna Dzielska pointed out.
According to the IMiD data presented in the DINO-PL study, overweight and obesity occur in approximately one third of Polish pupils aged 7–9. Authors of the study emphasise that obesity in childhood is a factor determining, among others, a higher risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in adults, which is also related to an increased risk of psychosocial and emotional problems. It follows from the data collected as part of the international COSI programme that the average systolic pressure in boys in the years 2007-2023 increased from slightly over 102 mmHg to almost 106 mmHg, and diastolic pressure – from 55 mmHg to almost 60 mmHg. The issue of abnormal blood pressure applies to almost one third of Polish children participating in the study.
“We need simultaneous measures at many levels. It is not enough to encourage children to be more active, you need to create conditions to facilitate it. It is crucial to create safe spaces for play and physical activity, support active commuting to school, such as walking or riding a bike, and increase the number of opportunities for exercise during the school day (e.g. active breaks). We will achieve the best results when measures are taken simultaneously by schools, local government bodies, social organisations, parents and public health institutions, because physical activity is not only an individual choice but a product of many factors, including the environment which we co-create,” IMiD expert noticed.
The Institute participates in the European B-challenged project, which is aimed at improving conditions for active play outdoors and on developing healthy nutritional habits among children aged 6–12. As part of the project, experts will identify factors hindering and facilitating outdoor activity in order to co-create and introduce measures aimed at changing the physical and social environment, in close cooperation with children and adult stakeholders. B-Challenged focusses on several districts of European cities, including Warsaw (Praga Północ), Amsterdam and Saragossa. Based on the solutions implemented in those areas, models will be prepared to be introduced in other regions.