Physical activity from early childhood to adolescence: a literature review of issues and interventions in disadvantaged populations

Background: This paper is based on a report commissioned by the South Australian Health Department to undertake a literature review identifying key physical activity interventions in ‘different’ populations. This paper presents the findings from the literature surrounding youth from early childhood through to adolescence only. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search using the following online academic databases: Proquest, Informit, Blackwell Synergy, Sage Publications, CINAHL and Cochrane. The search targeted peerreviewed articles, systematic reviews and evaluations. Each search used the term ‘physical activity and’, using the Boolean ‘or’ exercise. Using the Boolean ‘and’ combinations of the following words were added: low socioeconomic position ‘or’ low socioeconomic status, culture, intervention, health promotion, evaluation, strategies, South Australia, Australia. We also reviewed Australian government websites. Results: There are myriad reasons for the success or failure of physical activity interventions for youth ranging from parental influences, gender and age, culture, socioeconomic status, and social and physical environments. Conclusions: Multi-faceted approaches to interventions are required to achieve optimal outcomes for youth from early childhood through to adolescence. School provides an ideal site to engage students in physical activity. However ‘curriculum-only’ strategies do not work. Engaging parents in the interventions will heighten the probability of success.