Year: 2017
Type: article
Abstract: In this special issue of the Journal of Sport and Health Science, a series of articles describe the results of the 2016 Physical Activity and Fitness in China-The Youth Study.The results show a relatively high prevalence of sedentary behaviors, unhealthy weight, lower fitness levels, and lower levels of engagement in physical exercise and fitness activities than anticipated.Of additional concern are differences by sex, residence locale, and grade levels.While disappointing, there is room for optimism that these metrics can be improved in coming years.Multiple health promotion efforts are underway in China designed to improve health systems and expand opportunities for all persons to become more physically active and physically fit.The activities reflect an ecological approach that involves multiple influences to improve physical exercise and physical fitness.As described by Sallis et al., 1 the social environment, physical environment, and policies influence whether a person decides to engage in physical activity behaviors.These influences have the potential to bridge one's intrapersonal characteristics (e.g., age, sex, and self-motivation) with their perceptions of physical activity environments (e.g., accessibility, safety), characteristics of the places where people can be active (e.g., schools, neighborhoods, homes), and policies that govern access to exercise areas (e.g., zoning codes, pubic recreation investment).Recent initiatives in China reflect a multilevel ecological approach to create active living communities that can improve physical exercise and physical fitness levels in children and adolescents.Guided by Healthy China 2030, 2,3 an outcome of the 9th Global Conference on Health Promotion, 4 strategic goals and key indicators have been developed to guide healthpromoting actions for Chinese populations.Central to the vision of promoting health through action, strategies call for environmental, community, educational, medical, and policy initiatives that invite all persons to be physically active and more physically fit.
Author: Barbara E. Ainsworth
Institution: Arizona State University
Language: English
Topic: Physical Activity and Health
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2761015759