EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF FACTORS MOTIVATING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN PEDIATRIC POPULATIONS

Abstract

Physical activity is a fundamental component of pediatric health, contributing significantly to the development of cognitive, psychomotor, social, and affective capacities while enabling children to perform daily activities without excessive fatigue. In Sierra Leone, evidence indicates that children and adolescents generally exhibit higher levels of daily physical activity than adults. However, inadequate physical activity during childhood increases the risk of developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly cardiovascular disorders, later in life. This study highlights the importance of understanding the primary motives that influence children's participation in physical activity, including enjoyment, competence, appearance, fitness, and social interaction. It further emphasizes the role of Functional Movement Screening (FMS) as an effective tool for monitoring movement quality and identifying dysfunctions that may arise from physical inactivity. The study advocates for the guidance of health and nutrition educators alongside exercise physiologists in promoting safe and appropriate physical activity. Furthermore, allowing children to select physical activities that align with their individual motivations can improve participation, enhance functional movement, and support rehabilitation where movement dysfunction exists. These findings underscore the need for motivation-based physical activity interventions to promote lifelong health and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases among pediatric populations