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Themed Review: Clinical Interventions to Promote Physical Activity in Youth

Departments of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina, rebecca.meriwether{at}sc.edu

Felipe Lobelo, MD

Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina

Russell R. Pate, PhD

Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina

National recommendations call for children and adolescents to accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on most days of the week and for physicians to counsel their patients about physical activity. Physical inactivity tracks from childhood into adulthood, and among youth, it is associated with unfavorable risk factor profiles that promote the development of cardiovascular and metabolic chronic diseases. Few studies of clinical interventions to promote physical activity in children and youth have been published, and the paucity of evidence describing effective interventions and significant barriers limit delivery of counseling. However, existing studies provide evidence about elements of counseling most likely to be effective to guide clinical interventions and inform future research. Based on a literature review, this article offers guidance for incorporating physical activity promotion into clinical care, identifies gaps in current evidence, and suggests methodologic considerations for future research.

Key Words: physical activity • clinical intervention • counseling • exercise • children • youth

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