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Children
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Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors in Children and Adolescents
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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: 20 November 2025 | Viewed by 2805

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Henri Tilga

E-Mail Website
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
Dr. Andre Koka

E-Mail Website
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

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

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Children is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

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

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 739 KiB  
Article
Knowledge of Physical Activity Guidelines and Its Association with Meeting Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Recommendations in Adolescents
by André de Araújo Pinto, Guilherme José Silva Ribeiro and Andreia Pelegrini
Children 2025, 12(8), 1084; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12081084 - 19 Aug 2025
Viewed by 185
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Despite global efforts to promote moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among youth, limited evidence exists regarding adolescents’ knowledge of official physical activity (PA) guidelines. The aim of this study was to assess adolescents’ knowledge of MVPA guidelines and examine its potential association with [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Despite global efforts to promote moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among youth, limited evidence exists regarding adolescents’ knowledge of official physical activity (PA) guidelines. The aim of this study was to assess adolescents’ knowledge of MVPA guidelines and examine its potential association with meeting PA recommendations and levels of sedentary behavior. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2025 with a sample of 1032 adolescents (50.5% boys) from northernmost Brazil. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and included information on knowledge of PA guidelines, PA levels, sedentary behavior duration, and sociodemographic characteristics. Associations were tested using logistic regression models. Results: Only 11.7% of adolescents accurately identified all components of the PA recommendations. Boys who met PA guidelines were 15.76 times more likely to be aware of the official recommendations (95% CI: 7.14–24.48), while girls had 10.05 times higher odds (95% CI: 4.43–16.67). Adolescents who were less sedentary (<3 h/day) were significantly more likely to know the guidelines, both among boys (OR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.08–3.70) and girls (OR = 3.13; 95% CI: 1.12–8.33). Conclusions: The low level of awareness regarding official PA guidelines among adolescents is concerning, particularly given the strong association between such knowledge and the adoption of more active and less sedentary behaviors. Public health and educational strategies should prioritize health literacy in school curricula and community-based programs to promote more active lifestyles and reduce sedentary behavior among youth. Future studies should use longitudinal designs to clarify causal links and test practical interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors in Children and Adolescents)
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13 pages, 260 KiB  
Article
Protective Factors Against Social Exclusion in Adolescents: Physical Condition and Physical Activity
by Josune Rodríguez-Negro, Javier Murillo-Moraño, Ángel Garrido, Antonio J. Rodríguez-Hidalgo and Juan de Dios Benítez-Sillero
Children 2025, 12(5), 635; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12050635 - 15 May 2025
Viewed by 724
Abstract
Background: Social exclusion in children and adolescents can lead to negative effects such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and academic difficulties. Physical activity and good physical condition could act as protective factors by promoting social integration and emotional well-being. Methods: The aim of this [...] Read more.
Background: Social exclusion in children and adolescents can lead to negative effects such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and academic difficulties. Physical activity and good physical condition could act as protective factors by promoting social integration and emotional well-being. Methods: The aim of this study was to analyse whether participation in physical activity and good physical fitness test protect against social exclusion in adolescents aged 12 to 19. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 876 adolescents, assessing physical activity, physical fitness test (EUROFIT), BMI, and social exclusion (both subtle and manifest) through questionnaires and physical tests. Spearman correlations, ANOVA, and stepwise regression analysis were applied. Results: Adolescents who participated in organised physical activities, such as team sports, opposition, or contact sports, showed lower levels of both manifest and subtle exclusion. Aerobic endurance, age, abdominal strength, and gender were predictors of manifest exclusion, while aerobic endurance, age, and participation in organised physical activities predicted subtle exclusion. Conclusions: Physical condition and participation in physical activity protect against social exclusion. Taking part in competitive team activities involving contact and opposition is associated with lower levels of exclusion. It is essential to promote strategies that enhance inclusion and well-being among young people. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors in Children and Adolescents)
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 5 | Viewed by 1304
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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