Association Between Physical Activity Indicators and Human Development Index at a National Level: Information From Global Matrix 4.0 Physical Activity Report Cards for Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the associations between the 10 key indicators of the Global Matrix 4.0 project and human development index (HDI) at a national level according to sex, age, area of residence, and ability levels. Methods: Information from the 57 countries/localities included in the Global Matrix 4.0 project was compiled and presented according to the HDI of each country/locality for each of the 10 key indicators. Grades were assigned based on the benchmarks of the Global Matrix 4.0 project ranged between “A+” (best performance) and “F” (worst performance). Results: The population subgroups of females, children, rural residents, with/without disabilities from countries/localities with higher HDI performed better in the organized sport and physical activity indicator than their peers from countries/localities with lower HDI. Children and adolescents living in rural areas of countries/localities with higher HDI showed better performance for active play, and children and adolescents living in urban areas of countries/localities with lower HDI showed better performance for the active transportation. Countries/localities with higher HDI showed better grades for sources of influence than the countries/localities with lower HDI. Conclusions: Physical activity patterns in some population subgroups of children and adolescents differed according to the development level of countries/localities.

Global Matrix 4.0 Physical Activity Report Card Grades for Children and Adolescents: Results and Analyses From 57 Countries

“…Further inequity analysis across gender, age, area of residence, and ability levels were explored using Global Matrix 4.0 compiled data from participating countries. 121 In general, children and adolescents with a disability tend to be ignored/overlooked in both PA surveillance initiatives (including in the Global Matrix national Report Cards on PA for children and adolescents) 7 and PA promotion initiatives and policies. 122 Actions are needed in PA research, surveillance, and promotion to develop tools ensuring the valid assessment and study of PA indicators in children and adolescents with a disability and to develop effective PA promotion targeting this specific population.…”

Health behavior of Austrian tertiary students focusing on diet type linked to sports and exercise—first glimpse of results from the “sustainably healthy—from science 2 high school and university” study

“…Unstructured PA has been associated with a high potential of positively affecting people’s health in different ways, including increased enjoyment and motivation to be active ( 51 ). The relationship between PA and health is highly significant regarding positive human development ( 52 ).…”

Challenges of social change: The 2021 Republic of Slovenia report card on physical activity of children and adolescents

“…The COVID-19 global pandemic represents one such social challenge, although changes in economic freedom, climate culpability, and human development index are other examples of factors which can affect societal norms, like child and adolescent PA patterns. 9 , 30 …”