Citation

Rodriguez Martinez MP, Galaviz KI, Ulloa EJ, Gonzalez-Casanova I, Lopez Y Taylor JR. J. Phys. Act. Health 2014; 11: S74-8.

Affiliation

Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Occidente (ITESO), Jalisco, México.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Human Kinetics Publishers)

DOI

10.1123/jpah.2014-0172

PMID

25426918

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Mexican Report Card on Physical Activity in children and youth was first developed in 2012 as a tool aimed at informing policy and practice. The objective of this paper is to update the Report Card to reflect the current situation in Mexico.

METHODS: A literature search was conducted in Spanish and English using major databases, and complemented with government documents and national health surveys. Information on the 9 indicators outlined in the Global Matrix of Report Card Grades was extracted. Experts from Mexico and Canada met to discuss and assign a grade on each indicator.

RESULTS: The physical activity indicator was assigned a C+, which was higher than in the previous report card. Sedentary behavior was assigned a D, which was lower than the previous report card. Organized Sports and Active Transportation, which were not graded in the previous report card, were assigned grades of D and B-, respectively. Government and Built Environment were assigned grades of C and F, respectively. Family and Peers and Active Play were not graded (INC).

CONCLUSIONS: Levels of PA and sedentary behaviors among Mexican children and youth were below the respective recommended references. The implementation and effectiveness of current government strategies need to be determined. The Mexican Report Card is a promising knowledge translation tool that can serve to inform policies and programs related to physical activity.

Language: en