Physical activity among children and adolescents in Germany. Results of the cross-sectional KiGGS Wave 2 study and trends

Abstract

Self-reported data from wave 2 of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS Wave 2, 2014-2017) provides the basis for assessing whether the levels of physical activity of children and adolescents in Germany meet the levels recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Merely 22.4% of girls and 29.4% of boys in the 3-17 age group are physically active for at least 60 minutes per day and therefore meet the WHO recommendations. Prevalence of recommended levels of physical activity decreases continuously with age, both for girls and boys. In KiGGS Wave 2, girls in the 3-10 age group met the levels of physical activity recommended by the World Health Organization significantly less often than in KiGGS Wave 1. Low levels of physical activity were highest amongst adolescent age girls, as well as among boys and girls of low socioeconomic status. The results indicate a great potential to promote physical activity.