Health Impact Assessment (HIA) of a Daily Physical Activity Unit in Schools: Focus on Children and Adolescents in Austria Up to the 8th Grade

Abstract

Physical activity has a variety of health benefits for young people. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that children and adolescents aged 5–17 years should be physically active for at least 60 min a day. This Health Impact Assessment (HIA) examined the potential impact of a daily physical activity unit in Austrian schools, with a focus on children and adolescents up to eighth grade. The HIA methodology systematically followed several stages: screening and scoping, appraisal, and formulation of recommendations. A literature review, an online survey (n = 712), focus group discussions (n = 4), and appraisal workshops (n = 2) have been carried out. The analyzed results indicate a primarily positive impact on the individual health of children and adolescents, on social and community-related networks, on living and working conditions, and on the system level. Recommendations for the implementation include ensuring equal opportunities and support for disadvantaged children and schools. Furthermore, the comprehensible selection of pilot regions and the nationwide resource planning should be considered. Additional important factors include the education and further training of pedagogical staff and coaches, and the availability of sufficient infrastructure. In the long term, the fixed integration of five additional teaching units of physical activity per week, and an increased focus on the elementary/nursery school sector were identified as significant.

Examination of disadvantaged children's communication skills with sports branches

“…In a study conducted up to the 8th grade in Austria, the health impact assessment of the daily physical activity unit in schools was made and the positive impact of children and adolescents on individual health, social and society-related networks, living and working conditions and system level was revealed. In the same research, it was stated that for the more visible effect of the activities carried out, equality of opportunity and potentially disadvantageous children and schools should be supported first (Movia et al, 2022). In extracurricular activities, children learn how to behave, behaviors and skills such as managing their emotions, taking responsibility and trusting their peers (Karataş, 2022).…”

Effects of an innovative daily physical activity intervention on the health and fitness status of primary school children: a cluster randomized controlled trial

“…However, for a nationwide implementation of the daily PA program in schools, limited structural resources, such as sports halls and teachers or sports coaches, in the primary school environment pose a major problem [33,34].…”