Content Analysis and Comparison of Physical Activity Guidelines for Children Based on ICF-CY / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

Objective:To analyze and compare the policies and theoretical fundamental, the categories and amount of activities, benefits and influential factors of international and national physical activity guidelines for children, to provide theoretical and method guidance for the development and implementation of relevant guidelines. Methods:Six guidelines of physical activity for children issued by the World Health Organization (WHO), China, United States, Australia and Canada (2 sets) were included, analyzed and coded using International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-Children and Youth Version (ICF-CY). The policy background, theories, evidence-based methods, recommended activities, activity volume, benefits and influential factors of the guidelines were discussed. Results:There were relevant backgrounds of health policies and theoretical fundamentals for the development of these guidelines. The recommended categories of physical activities involved the activities of fitness, skills and sports. The amount of activity all the guidelines recommended was at least 60 minutes of moderate to high intensity activity per day, and vigorous-intensity or musculoskeletal enhancement activities at least three times a week. Physical activities had benefit for children in the fields of development and maxima of functioning, promotion of activities and participation, formation of good habits of life, establishment of healthy lifestyles, and improvement of the relevant environmental factors. Conclusion:It is useful to analyze and compare the contents of guidelines of physical activities for children using framework, terminology and coding systems of ICF-CY. Both international and national guidelines of physical activity for children are developed in relevant health policies backgrounds and health-related theories. There are three types of physical activity for children aligning to ICF-CY fitness, skills and sports. All guidelines recommended moderate to high level intensity of activity. Children can gain from physical activities for the development of exercise habits and active lifestyles. Accessible environments are recommended, including Products and Technology, Natural Environment and Human-Made Changes to Environment, Support and Relationships, Attitudes, and Services, Systems and Policies.