Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors in Children and Adolescents

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Global Pediatric Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 May 2025 | Viewed by 1280

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy, University of Tartu, Ujula 4, 51008 Tartu, Estonia
Interests: physical activity; motivation; self-determination theory; physical education; basic psychological needs
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Institute of Sport Sciences and Physiotherapy, University of Tartu, Ujula 4, 51008 Tartu, Estonia
Interests: physical activity; motivation; self-determination theory; physical education; basic psychological needs
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The escalating prevalence of sedentary lifestyles among children and adolescents has emerged as a significant global public health concern. Physical activity during these formative years is essential for proper growth, development, and the prevention of chronic diseases later in life. Recent advances in research methodologies, technology, and intervention strategies have shed new light on the patterns, determinants, and health impacts of physical activity and sedentary behavior in young populations. This Special Issue compiles cutting-edge studies that delve into these developments, aiming to inform policies and practices that promote active lifestyles among youth. By highlighting innovative approaches and findings, we aspire to stimulate further research and contribute to effective strategies for reducing sedentary behavior and enhancing physical activity in children and adolescents.

Dr. Henri Tilga
Dr. Andre Koka
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • physical activity
  • physical education
  • motivation
  • basic psychological needs
  • self-determination theory

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

15 pages, 791 KiB  
Article
The Effects of a Web-Based Need-Supportive Intervention for Physical Education Teachers on Students’ Physical Activity and Related Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Hasso Paap, Andre Koka, Pille-Riin Meerits and Henri Tilga
Children 2025, 12(1), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12010056 - 3 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 896
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Globally, adolescents are insufficiently active, highlighting the need for effective strategies to enhance their activity levels. This study evaluated a web-based intervention program designed for physical education (PE) teachers, aimed at fostering students’ basic psychological needs—autonomy, competence, and relatedness—in PE settings. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Globally, adolescents are insufficiently active, highlighting the need for effective strategies to enhance their activity levels. This study evaluated a web-based intervention program designed for physical education (PE) teachers, aimed at fostering students’ basic psychological needs—autonomy, competence, and relatedness—in PE settings. Methods: Secondary school PE teachers and their students were randomly assigned into either an experimental (teachers n = 36; students n = 463, Mage = 13.94, SD = 0.88) or a control group (teachers n = 49; students n = 820, Mage = 13.93, SD = 0.87). Teachers in the experimental group underwent a 4-week web-based intervention program focused on autonomy-, competence-, and relatedness-supportive motivational techniques. Students completed questionnaires assessing psychological measures and self-reported physical activity (PA) before and after the teachers’ training. Results: Results indicated that students in the experimental group perceived significantly higher autonomy, competence, and relatedness support compared to their control group counterparts at post-test. Conclusions: Consequently, the web-based need-supportive intervention was effective in promoting need-supportive teacher behavior. As the developed training for PE teachers increased students’ perceptions of need support from their PE teachers, it holds promise for future PE teacher education. Furthermore, the web-based format offers scalability for broader implementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors in Children and Adolescents)
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