Levels of health physical activity of primary school children: a systematic review of current research

Abstract

Despite the numerous scientific studies of physical activity of people, this issue is still not losing its relevance. This is due to two main points of view. Firstly, through a series of physiological and biochemical reactions, any physical activity has a direct effect on the human body, both short-term and long-term. Secondly, modern global trends of socio-economic change, urbanization, scientific and technological progress, the development of information technology conduce to children’s and adults’ lifestyle changing, in particular, reduce their physical activity. Purpose of this article is to analyse findings arising from a systematic review of literature relating to current research evidence about recommended levels of health physical activity of primary school children. With a view to advancing academic knowledge in the field, the authors highlight those areas where further research is more needed. Methods. Structural-logical and bibliosemantic analytical methods were used. The databases searched were: electronic catalogs of Vernadsky library, PubMed, Google Scholar. The keywords searched were: «primary school children» «kids», «children», «physical activity», «physical inactivity», «exercise», «promotion physical activity», «changing physical activity», «planned behavior», «physical education», «neighborhood environment», «parental support», «health», «well-being», others. Results. Guidelines on physical activity for primary school children in the majority of countries recommend 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily. The review of Ukrainian literature sources reveals lack of schoolchildren’s motivation to consciously increase of their physical activity. The results of publications analysis show that primary school children do not follow the recommendations for daily physical activity both in Ukraine and abroad. Therefore, this issue makes dependent the requisite of further research to determine interrelationship between the levels of physical activity of primary school children and indicators of their physical and psychic health, body functioning abilities and the fitness levels. Сonclusions. Also, the research about forms and methods of organized sports is needed, it will be interesting and useful for children of this age group. The issue of creating national recommendations on the time duration and frequency of health-improving physical activity for primary school children remains uninvestigated.