Objectives
This study systematically reviewed the literature on the prevalence of barriers and facilitators to physical activity in children and adolescents and provided global prevalence estimates through meta-analysis.
Methods
Articles published in PubMed (1966-), Scopus (1970-), and Web of Science (1900-) were searched from database inception through May 30, 2024. The search was conducted between May 15 and May 30, 2024. Sixteen studies were included, with 14 pooled for adolescents and 2 for children. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42024512962).
Results
In children, the prevalence of barriers to physical activity ranged from 12 % to 26 %, with a pooled prevalence of 23 % (95 % CI, 19 %, 27 %). Facilitators in children ranged from 12 % to 33 %, with a pooled prevalence of 28 % (95 % CI, 24 %, 33 %). Among adolescents, barriers ranged from 3 % to 65 %, with a pooled prevalence of 32 % (95 % CI, 20 %, 44 %). Facilitators in adolescents ranged from 9 % to 21 %, with a pooled prevalence of 10 % (95 % CI, 8 %, 11 %).
Conclusions
Barriers are more prevalent in adolescents, while facilitators are more prevalent in children. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and reveal research gaps, particularly regarding barriers in children and facilitators in adolescents.