How active are our kids? Interplay between physical activity, individual characteristics and environment

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) is essential for kids health and well-being and therefore crucial for our society. There is a call from the academic community for a consistent conceptualization, hence the aim of this paper is to set up a base for future research. In order to frame a conceptualization in relation to the interplay between PA, individual characteristics and environment of kids, this paper in hand investigates in a first step (RQ1) how to develop a conceptual framework for children in terms of PA, individual characteristics and environment (settings and sources of influence) based on existing score cards and literature, (RQ2) how to enlarge existing knowledge by adding potential components caused by the epidemic to this framework and, moreover, (RQ3) tries to shed more light on the pillar resilience conducting a qualitative approach (world café). Findings of the research project may support the value of PA of youngsters in the extensive school context as well as during leisure time leading to a holistic approach towards supporting the well-being of children and their future health.