School-based physical activity and good practices in Europe

Abstract

Background. Despite the known benefits of physical activity for children, inactivity levels remain high in Europe. Schools are considered ideal settings for promoting physical activity. Nonetheless, they often fail to achieve their full potential in increasing the levels of exercise among students. This study aimed to examine the current evidence regarding physical activity promotion in the European Union school context, and to understand how key scientific evidence and World Health Organization (WHO) guidance are used. Material and methods. Representatives of all 28 European Union Member States were asked to complete a survey to understand their national school-based physical activity practices. Results. Responses from 22 countries were received. Of all the initiatives, most included fostering of positive attitudes to physical activity or health, while a few incorporated gender-based considerations in their design. Lastly, intersectoral collaboration in the creation of the physical education curricula is yet to be fully integrated among European Union Member States. Conclusions. There is a substantial focus on physical activity promotion in schools across the European Union, although the school context could be utilized to a greater degree. In general, further efforts in this area are required in order to have a stronger positive effect on physical activity levels in European Union children.