Policy Brief for Promoting Physical Activity among Iranian Adolescents

Abstract

Background: Regular physical activity (PA) is an underlying factor since childhood and adolescence for having a healthy and active future in life. The aim of this study was to review the evidence on increasing the youth PA to develop the national program at country level. Methods: At first, the databases were searched using the sensitive keywords, and systematic reviews of the relevant databases were extracted. The studies were evaluated in terms of relevance and methodological quality for effective interventions that were detected. These cases were also identified in the effective interventions as disadvantages, benefits, costs, methods, and limitations of early studies, based on systematic review of the studies. Findings: Three interventions were identified as physical education curriculum reform, the creation of extra-curricular activities, as well as approaches to environmental and social support. Evidence showed that the relative impact of these interventions were not high. Conclusion: Thus, a combination of all three options of integrated approach is recommended for reducing the sedentary lifestyle of youths.

Keywords

• Behavioral change
• Evidence informed
• Life style
• Policy