Variations in accelerometry measured physical activity and sedentary time across Europe - harmonized analyses of 47,497 children and adolescents

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

  • Jostein Steene-Johannessen
  • Bjørge Herman Hansen
  • Knut Eirik Dalene
  • Elin Kolle
  • Kate Northstone
  • Niels Christian Møller
  • Anders Grøntved
  • Niels Wedderkopp
  • Susi Kriemler
  • Angie S Page
  • Jardena J Puder
  • J Reilly
  • L.uis B Sardinha
  • Esther M F Van Sluijs
  • Lars Bo Andersen
  • Hidde Van Der Ploeg
  • Wolfgang Ahrens
  • Claudia Flexeder
  • Marie Standl
  • Holger Shculz
  • Luis A Moreno
  • Stefaan De Henauw
  • Nathalie Michels
  • Greet Cardon
  • Francisco B Ortega
  • Jonatan Ruiz
  • Susana Aznar
  • Mikael Fogelholm
  • Andrew Decelis
  • Line Grønholt Olesen
  • Rute Santos
  • Susana Vale
  • Lars Breum Christiansen
  • Russ Jago
  • Laura Basterfield
  • Christopher G. Owen
  • Claire M. Nightingale
  • Gabriele Eiben
  • Angela Polito
  • Fabio Lauria
  • Jeremy Vanhelst
  • Charalambos Hadjigeorgiou
  • Kenn Konstabel
  • Dénes Molnár
  • Ole Sprengeler
  • Yannis Manios
  • Jaanus Harro
  • Anthony Kafatos
  • Sigmund Alfred Anderssen
  • Ulf Ekelund
  • L B Andersen
  • S Anderssen
  • A J Atkin
  • G Cardon
  • R Davey
  • U Ekelund
  • D W Esliger
  • P Hallal
  • B H Hansen
  • K F Janz
  • S Kriemler
  • Nini Møller
  • Kate Northstone
  • Russell Pate
  • Jardena J Puder
  • John J Reilly
  • Jo Salmon
  • L B Sardinha
  • L B Sherar
  • E M F Van Sluijs

Background: Levels of physical activity and variation in physical activity and sedentary time by place and person in European children and adolescents are largely unknown. The objective of the study was to assess the variations in objectively measured physical activity and sedentary time in children and adolescents across Europe. 

Methods: Six databases were systematically searched to identify pan-European and national data sets on physical activity and sedentary time assessed by the same accelerometer in children (2 to 9.9 years) and adolescents (≥10 to 18 years). We harmonized individual-level data by reprocessing hip-worn raw accelerometer data files from 30 different studies conducted between 1997 and 2014, representing 47,497 individuals (2-18 years) from 18 different European countries. 

Results: Overall, a maximum of 29% (95% CI: 25, 33) of children and 29% (95% CI: 25, 32) of adolescents were categorized as sufficiently physically active. We observed substantial country-A nd region-specific differences in physical activity and sedentary time, with lower physical activity levels and prevalence estimates in Southern European countries. Boys were more active and less sedentary in all age-categories. The onset of age-related lowering or leveling-off of physical activity and increase in sedentary time seems to become apparent at around 6 to 7 years of age. 

Conclusions: Two third of European children and adolescents are not sufficiently active. Our findings suggest substantial gender-, country-A nd region-specific differences in physical activity. These results should encourage policymakers, governments, and local and national stakeholders to take action to facilitate an increase in the physical activity levels of young people across Europe.

Original languageEnglish
Article number38
JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
Volume17
Issue number1
Number of pages14
ISSN1479-5868
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020

    Research areas

  • Faculty of Science - Motor activity, Physical activity, Acceleometry, Wear time

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