Global Matrix of Para Report Cards on Physical Activity of Children and Adolescents With Disabilities

Abstract

This is an overview of the results from 14 countries or jurisdictions in a Global Matrix of Para Report Cards on physical activity (PA) of children and adolescents with disabilities. The methodology was based on the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance’s Global Matrix 4.0. Data were aligned with 10 indicators (Overall PA, Organized Sport, Active Play, Active Transport, Physical Fitness, Sedentary Behavior, Family & Peers, Schools, Community & Environment, and Government) to produce Para Report Cards. Subsequently, there were 139 grades; 45% were incomplete, particularly for Active Play, Physical Fitness, and Family & Peers. Collectively, Overall PA was graded the lowest (F), with Schools and Government the highest (C). Disability-specific surveillance and research gaps in PA were apparent in 14 countries or jurisdictions around the world. More coverage of PA data in Para Report Cards is needed to serve as an advocacy tool to promote PA among children and adolescents with disabilities.

Exploring the world of active play: A comprehensive review of global surveillance and monitoring of active play based on the global matrix data

“…For example, 14 countries and regions followed similar grading methods and processes to publish their Para Report Cards alongside the GM 4.0 Report Cards. 85 However, there continues to be research and data gaps in active play among children and youth with disability. This was evident in 22022 Para Report Cards where only three of the 14 countries assigned a grade to the Active Play.…”

Physical activity of children and adolescents with disabilities in Poland - First Para Report Card

“…This research was prepared according to the adapted methodology used from the Global Matrix 4.0 project 6 and in accordance with the PRC. 17 The adaptions included changing the benchmarks to be specific to data on CAWD ( Supplementary Table 1 .). The research team consisted of three PA academic researchers from two Polish universities with an international expert involved in formulating PRC as a consultant.…”

“…The research team consisted of three PA academic researchers from two Polish universities with an international expert involved in formulating PRC as a consultant. Following the guidelines of PRC, 17 the relevant stakeholders were reached as part of the data gathering process. However, they have not been included in the grading process.…”

“…In 2022, alongside the GM 4.0 14 countries or jurisdictions engaged in a project that focused solely on disability data. 17 This was called the Para Report Cards (PRC) on PA in recognition to the parallel project to the GM 4.0, and its focus on CAWD in a harmonized manner, that enabled for some international comparisons.…”

Results From the First Para Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents With Disabilities in the Philippines

“…Following the methodology of the Global Matrix 4.0 project (Ng et al, 2023), a review of the literature and a series of stakeholder consultations were conducted to determine country-specific evidence on 10 indicators. These indicators were comprised of five PA behaviors (i.e., Overall Physical Activity, Organized Sport and Physical Activity, Active Play, Active Transportation, Sedentary Behaviors), one person-specific characteristic (i.e., Physical Fitness), and four sources of influence (i.e., Family and Peers, School, Community and Environment, and Government).…”