Establishment of evaluation methods for international comparison of daily physical activity and its factors in Japanese children

Abstract

Past reports have reinforced global public health concerns related to physical inactivity. Recent global efforts to increase physical activity and decrease sedentary behaviors have been underway. The development and release of Report Cards on physical activity for children and youth have in many countries improved advocacy and social mobilization with the intent of increasing young people's activity by influencing perceptions, priorities, policies, and practices. In 2016, 38 countries including Japan produced a cross-country comparison finding that showed higher physical activity and lower sedentary behavior in countries that reported poorer infrastructure, and lower physical activity and higher sedentary behavior in countries that reported better infrastructure. This suggests that autonomy to play, travel, chore requirements and/or fewer attractive sedentary pursuits, rather than infrastructure and structured activities, may facilitate higher levels of physical activity. Future nationally representative surveys on overall physical activity, active play, and community and the built environment are needed. The establishment of evaluation methods for the international comparison of daily physical activity and its factors in Japanese children and youth are needed.