Rationale: This symposium explores the multifaceted role of active travel – walking and cycling – as an efficacious approach to addressing concurrent global challenges essential for climate action and urban environment for increasing physical activity in children. The symposium will highlight that both walking and cycling are accessible forms of transportation with significant physical, psychosocial, and environmental benefits. However, the adoption and sustainability of these behaviours depend on a complex interplay of individual competencies, environmental quality, perceived safety, and broader social and institutional support from diverse European contexts. It will feature specific case studies and analyses from Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Czech Republic, and the Netherlands, elucidating effective strategies and key findings related to the promotion of walking and cycling. Purpose: Primary objectives encompass the synthesis of evidence regarding active travel’s efficacy for HEPA promotion, evaluation of impactful policies and infrastructure developments within the selected nations, discussion of contributions towards SDG targets, and identification of barriers and facilitators influencing adoption patterns. Findings: The collection of studies reveal that while cycling interventions in schools can foster healthy habits and environmental awareness, their long-term success requires structural support and integration into daily routines, especially in diverse and underserved communities. Similarly, the quality of the walking environment shaped by factors such as security, lighting, and infrastructure significantly influences walking enjoyment and perceived safety, with seasonal changes presenting additional challenges for maintaining active travel habits throughout the year. Barriers to active transport, such as traffic hazards and unsafe neighbourhood settings, are common concerns, but systematic identification and targeted interventions can lead to improvements in safety and participation. Conclusion: The symposium will also underscore the value of collaborative, cross-sectoral approaches – bridging health and mobility sectors and engaging local stakeholders – to address key barriers, co-design context-specific solutions, and promote equity in access to active travel. By embedding active travel and school-based intervention into daily life activities and urban policy, these initiatives demonstrate potential for reducing health inequalities, enhancing environmental sustainability, and supporting lifelong healthy behaviours among children and the broader community

Purpose: The aim is to introduce and identify the main barriers and perceived risks associated with active transportation to and from school in a city level initiative in Olomouc, Czech school-aged children. Methods: The Olomouc city introduced a project ‘Safe Road to School’ in 2018 to all city schools. The main objective of the project was to identify dangerous places and thus prevent traffic accidents where children are moving and to minimise the risk of their occurrence. Map application, aimed at 4/5 and 8/9 graders, was applied to identify problematic or dangerous areas and their gradual removal. The presentation provides an overview of the main barriers identified within three rounds of this initiative in 2019, 2021, and 2023. Results: Most children reported walking as their primary mode of transportation to (58% in 2019, 45% in 2021, and 55% in 2023) and from school (63% in 2019, 50% in 2021, and 58% in 2023), primarily due to perceived safety (83% in 2019, 85% in 2021, and 79% in 2023). The main safety concerns identified were speeding traffic (36% in 2019, 37% in 2021, and 38% in 2023). The school neighbourhood was often perceived as safe, with some issues of unpleasant and unsafe episodes due to the presence of homeless individuals, alcohol users, missing crosswalks, and speeding cars. Experience with these findings indicate the awareness of authorities to solve the issue as soon as possible. Conclusion: All alerts recorded by the pupils on the map were forwarded to the departments responsible at the Olomouc city, police, or other administrative authorities for solution, and the process of evaluation of each risk area was recorded. It is apparent that recording and appropriate intervention can result in improved environmental quality to ensure increased safety and thus promote active transport for children to and from schools. By understanding these threats in school neighbourhoods, we can encourage children to choose active modes of transport, leading to improved health and a more sustainable lifestyle.

Background:Improving physical activity (PA) and lifestyle among schoolchildren has long been a priority in health policy; however, the outcomes of these global efforts remain unsatisfactory. One key prerequisite for achieving positive change is improving the professional training of physical education (PE) teachers. The study aimed to examine changes in PE teacher training focused on monitoring students' own PA, to compare these findings with evidence from PA research among schoolchildren, and support the development of health and physical literacy in future PE teachers. Methods:The study was conducted within the professional training of PE students from 2011 to 2022. A total of 472 men and 487 women participated in PA monitoring. Daily step counts were assessed using Yamax Digiwalker pedometers and Garmin Vívofit smart bands. Weekly PA, PA motivation, PA preferences, and well-being were assessed using the IPAQ-Long Form, motivation and preference questionnaires, and the WHO-5 Well-Being Index. Results:Participants were able to compare their PA monitoring results with the status and trends in PA among children and adolescents. Similar patterns were analyzed in gender differences, the structure of weekly PA, and the associations between PA, PA preferences, motivation for PA, and well-being. Participation in organized PA was associated with higher odds of meeting vigorous PA recommendations, increasing the likelihood of compliance by approximately 1.9 times. Conclusions:Integrating the verification of PA-related evidence through personal PA monitoring into the professional training of PE students creates favorable conditions for transferring PA knowledge into school practice. This approach may enhance support for PA, healthy lifestyles, and physical literacy among schoolchildren and school leadership.

Background The long-term lower levels of physical activity (PA) among girls compared with boys represent a global public health concern. Despite numerous interventions, progress in reducing these disparities has been limited, raising questions about the effectiveness of the current paradigm for promoting girls’ PA. The aim of this study was to identify long-term trends in preferences for PA types and gender differences in the axiological orientation of adolescents’ PA, and to provide evidence for paradigm and policy changes supporting girls’ PA. Methods The research was conducted between 2008 and 2023 and included 8,656 Czech and 6,065 Polish adolescents aged 15–18 years. Preferences for PA types and their axiological orientation were assessed using the Physical Activity Preference Questionnaire. Weekly PA was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – long form (IPAQ-LF). Well-being was assessed using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index. Boys and girls were categorized into three groups: adolescents not participating in organized PA, those participating in organized non-preferred PA, and those participating in organized preferred PA. Results Clear gender differences were observed in physical activity preferences. Boys more frequently preferred team sports and martial arts, whereas girls more often preferred dance activities and activities performed in aquatic or outdoor environments. Between 2020 and 2023, preferences for individual physical activities increased and preferences for team activities decreased among both boys and girls. Significant gender differences were also identified in the axiological orientation of preferred physical activities. Girls more often preferred activities emphasizing health, regeneration, recreation, aesthetics, family participation, and lifelong engagement, whereas boys more frequently preferred performance-oriented, competitive, contact, and physically demanding activities. Adolescents participating in organized preferred physical activity showed the highest likelihood of meeting physical activity recommendations and reported the highest levels of well-being. Conclusions This study documents long-term trends in adolescents’ PA preferences and highlights changes in these preferences following the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings support a new approach to promoting girls’ PA based on gender differences in the axiological orientation of activity types. Participation in organized preferred PA was associated with higher weekly PA levels, greater adherence to PA recommendations, and higher subjective well-being. These findings suggest that paradigm and policy changes aimed at supporting girls’ PA should consider adolescents’ activity preferences and the value orientations associated with different PA types.

BACKGROUND:The current negative trend in the physical behavior and lifestyle of the population therefore requires adequate changes in the professional training of physiotherapists. OBJECTIVES:This study aimed to determine the structure and differences in the weekly physical activity (PA) of Czech physiotherapy students, the use of wearables in physiotherapy professional training, and the attitude of physiotherapy students toward PA and the use of wearables in physiotherapy practice. METHODS:Between 2013 and 2022, 412 physiotherapy students participated in a PA-monitoring study using questonnaires International Physical Activity Questionnaire-long form, Motives for Physical Activity Measure-Revise, pedometers, Garmin Vívofit and Axivity AX3 accelerometers. RESULTS:A retrospective analysis of physiotherapy students PA drew attention to insufficient weekly PA and insufficient achievement of the PA recommendation of at least 60 min five times a week (55% of men and 41% of women). Instrumental PA monitoring allowed analyzing individual daily PA and structure of weekly PA. Highest PA indicated men (14,102 steps/day) and women (12,724 steps/day) of the 1st study year on Tuesday. The lowest PA (9,488 steps/day for men and 8,815 steps/day for women), were observed in the 4th study year on Sundays. The recommended target of 11,000 steps per day was achieved by 40% of the men and 46% of the women. Wearables enhanced participants PA motivation (51%). CONCLUSIONS:The inclusion of weekly PA monitoring in the professional training of physiotherapists ensured a deeper insight into the possibilities of PA monitoring in physiotherapy practice . Students are prepared to use wearables more widely to improve physical therapy practice.

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) during the school day is crucial for the health and well-being of adolescents. This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth PA patterns to better understand these changes and to provide guidelines for school programming.MethodsDifferences in PA within specific segments of the school day were examined before and after the pandemic using the Youth Activity Profile questionnaire. Participants included 956 boys and 1,317 girls from 21 high schools. The study involved 12 Czech and 9 Polish high schools before the pandemic and 9 Czech and 8 Polish high schools after the pandemic.ResultsBoth Czech and Polish boys and girls exhibited significantly less transportation PA to and from school and reduced PA during the school day after the pandemic compared to before. Additionally, Czech and Polish boys were significantly less physically active during school breaks, and Czech boys and girls had notably less PA during physical education lessons. The pandemic disrupted the habit of regular PA on school days, particularly evident in the decline of PA to and from school.ConclusionThe study confirms a significant difference in PA of Czech and Polish adolescents in various segments of the school day after students return to school following pandemic restrictions. Promoting achievement of the recommendations in the segments of the school day and in comprehensive school PA programs should be an important part of school health and education policy and public health promotion for adolescents.

BACKGROUND:Most countries now have physical activity (PA) policies but translating them into action at national and subnational levels remains poor. To better understand the disconnect, the "Interaction between National and Local Government Levels in Development and Implementation of Physical Activity Policies Tool" (INTEGRATE-PA-Pol) was developed by the Global Observatory for Physical Activity (GoPA!). METHODS:The Czech Republic was chosen as a European pilot site based on existing research capacity and relationships. The INTEGRATE-PA-Pol tool was translated and adapted for use in the country. This questionnaire-based tool has 8 components assessing government levels, political system, and sectors across the 5 stages of the PA policy process. Key informants were from the health, sport, and recreation sectors at the national, regional (Olomouc Region), and municipal (Olomouc City) levels of government. Data was collected via online surveys. RESULTS:PA policy documents and budgets were identified at all levels, but implementation of policy and programs was noted to be limited. In 10 of the 12 interaction categories, the roles of other government levels in PA policy were rated as low. A wide range of populations, settings, and sectors were identified as important for PA promotion across the 3 levels of government, with notable variability. CONCLUSIONS:This pilot study suggests that PA policy in the Czech Republic is well developed, despite gaps in sector engagement, and inconsistent prioritization of populations and settings. Even with budget allocated, PA policy implementation remains challenging, probably in part due to poor articulation between national and subnational governments.

The global decline in physical activity (PA) among the youth has been exacerbated by the pandemic’s impact on their lifestyles. Addressing these adverse effects post-pandemic by supporting preferred physical activities among young individuals is crucial. The aim of the study is to investigate and compare the long-term trends in PA preferences among individuals in Poland and the Czech Republic, exploring the impact of global lifestyle challenges over the past 14 years, including the pandemic, on PA behaviors and choices. The study design is cross-sectional and data gathering was in the period between 2007 and 2020, this research encompassed 19,235 participants aged 15 to 26. PA preferences were gauged using the Questionnaire on Physical Activity Preferences, while actual PA levels were measured through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form. Crossing table, Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA, binary logistic regression and effect size coefficients were conducted. Among the participants, individual physical activities were favoured by 24

Introducción: Promover la actividad física entre los adolescentes requiere metodologías innovadoras que hagan las intervenciones educativas más atractivas y efectivas. Objetivo: Implementar y evaluar una intervención escolar integrada en las lecciones de educación física, utilizando la aplicación móvil Mystic School para promover la actividad física entre adolescentes. Metodología: Participaron 62 estudiantes (de 14 a 15 años) y 2 profesores de educación física en España. Sus percepciones fueron evaluadas mediante entrevistas personales y analizadas cualitativamente con el software NVivo. Resultados: Los estudiantes disfrutaron de las lecciones de educación física, considerándolas más atractivas que las tradicionales, y expresaron su deseo de más sesiones. Aunque la aplicación Mystic School fue vista como una innovación divertida, un profesor encontró confuso el sistema de puntos y recompensas, y otro sugirió mejoras en usabilidad y atractivo tras observar mayor compromiso estudiantil. Discusión: Los hallazgos sugieren que integrar metodologías y tecnologías innovadoras, como la aplicación Mystic School, puede aumentar el compromiso de los estudiantes en las lecciones de educación física. Sin embargo, el feedback mixto resalta la necesidad de refinar las herramientas tecnológicas para mejorar su usabilidad y atractivo. Estos resultados coinciden con la literatura, que subraya la importancia de diseños intuitivos y bien estructurados para maximizar el potencial de las tecnologías educativas. Conclusiones: Estudiantes y profesores percibieron la propuesta educativa y la aplicación Mystic School como innovadoras y capaces de mejorar las lecciones de educación física. La colaboración entre investigadores, docentes y familias, junto con intervenciones extendidas y herramientas optimizadas, ofrece un enfoque integral para programas educativos efectivos.

Abstract Background Understanding environmental correlates of sedentary behaviour (SB) among young people is important as such data can identify approaches to limit sedentary time. This paper estimates associations of parent-reported neighbourhood and adolescent-reported home environments with SB among adolescents aged 11–19 years from 14 countries. Methods In the International Physical activity and the Environment Network (IPEN) Adolescent Study (an observational, cross-sectional multi-country study), adolescents wore a triaxial accelerometer for seven days that assessed sedentary time (ST). Adolescents completed survey measures of sedentary behaviour (SB) related to recreational screen time and sitting time in motor vehicles. Parents and adolescents completed surveys assessing neighbourhood and home environments. Accelerometer based ST was available in 3,982 adolescents while survey data were available for 6,302 dyads. We estimated the total and direct effects of each environmental attribute on ST and SB. Sex of the adolescent and city/country were examined as moderators. Results The average ST in adolescents from 14 countries ranged from 7.8 to 10.5 h/day. Personal social media was the only significant correlate of total ST across both sexes. With respect to self-reported SB, adolescents accumulated an average of 3.8 h of non-school screen time per day and nearly 40 min of transport-related sitting time. Screen time was associated with all home environment variables, including social media account, as well as land use mix—diversity, traffic safety, and crime safety. Transport-related sitting time was related to land use mix—diversity, recreation facilities, walking facilities, and pedestrian infrastructure, but no home environment variables. City/country and sex were significant moderators of several associations. Conclusions Both home and neighbourhood environment features were related to ST and SB. Having social media accounts emerged as a major contributor towards sedentarism in adolescents.

To understand the environmental determinants of physical activity (PA), precise spatial localization is crucial. This cross-sectional study focuses on the spatiotemporal distribution of PA among Czech adolescents (n = 171) using Global Positioning System loggers and accelerometers. The results showed that adolescents spent most of their time in sedentary behavior, with 57.2% and 58.5% of monitored time at home and school, respectively. The park and playground had the lowest proportion of sedentary behavior but also the lowest amount of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA). However, when considering the time spent in each domain, the highest proportion of MVPA was seen in publicly accessible playgrounds (13.3% of the time). Chi-square analysis showed that the relative distribution of different PA intensities did not differ across spatial domains. Based on these results, the authors propose 2 key strategies for increasing MVPA in adolescents: Increase the time spent in activity-supportive environments, such as parks and playgrounds, and design techniques to increase MVPA at home and school settings.

Purpose : This study aimed to assess the impact of segment-specific physical activity (PA) recommendations during the school day on the daily PA in both boys and girls. Methods : A total of 426 Czech and 219 Polish adolescents participated in this study. They were divided into two groups: one receiving segment-specific PA recommendations for the school day and the other receiving general daily PA recommendations. The Youth Activity Profile questionnaire, the World Health Organization-5 Well-Being Index, and the wearable Garmin vívofit were used in the research. Results : The application of segment-specific PA recommendations during the school day was significantly associated with higher PA on school days. It also increased the odds of meeting the recommendations of 6,000 steps/day after school (odds ratio = 1.63, confidence interval [1.19, 2.24], p = .003) and 11,000 steps/day (odds ratio = 1.59, confidence interval [1.16, 2.18], p = .004) on school days. Conclusions : Segment-specific PA recommendations during the school day are effective and should be integrated into physical education curricula, comprehensive school PA programs, and broader school educational strategies.

Background The global decline in physical activity among the youth has been exacerbated by the pandemic's impact on their lifestyles. Addressing these adverse effects post-pandemic by supporting preferred physical activities among young individuals is crucial. The aim of the study is to identify the status and trend of preferences for individually focused PA of young people in the context of the negative effects of the pandemic on the physical activity of young people. Methods Conducted between 2007 and 2020, this research encompassed 19,235 participants aged 15 to 26. Physical activity preferences were gauged using the Questionnaire on Physical Activity Preferences, while actual physical activity levels were measured through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form. Results Among the participants, individual physical activities were favored by 24% of Czech and 25% of Polish boys, and 23% of Czech and 25% of Polish girls. Across all demographics, swimming and cycling emerged as preferred activities, with a notable increase in running. A positive correlation was found between the preference for running and higher levels of recreational, vigorous, and overall weekly physical activity. Additionally, an increased preference for running was associated with a higher likelihood of meeting weekly physical activity recommendations for both girls (OR = 1.82, CI = 1.62–2.04, p < 0.001) and boys (OR = 1.61, CI = 1.44–1.82, p < 0.001) in both countries. Conclusions The systematic and long-term monitoring of physical activity preferences is vital for effectively promoting and supporting a healthy lifestyle among youth, especially during periods of social and health crises.

AbstractThis study addresses the issue of insufficient physical activity (PA) among youths. The emergence of gamified interventions, such as Gamifiter web portal, offers a novel approach to promoting healthy habits and increasing intrinsic motivation for PA. Gamifiter engages users in virtual challenges linked to daily step counts and progress on a digital map, aiming to enhance PA and physical literacy. Involving 107 pupils (12–13 years old), the intervention utilized Garmin VívoFit trackers, with the Gamifiter portal providing individual PA reports, challenges, and interactive educational applications. Results showed a significant increase in daily step counts indicating the positive impact of Gamifiter on PA levels. Attitudes Towards Educational Reality questionnaire and incomplete sentence test results revealed pupils' positive perceptions, high motivation, and satisfaction with Gamifiter. Teachers also praised Gamifiter for promoting PA and literacy, although some desired more customization options. The study emphasizes the potential of gamified interventions to effectively promote a healthy lifestyle. Positive attitudes and increased PA suggest that gamification can be a valuable tool in motivating and engaging pupils in physical activities, fostering a foundation for a healthier lifestyle. In conclusion, Gamifiter's success in motivating pupils to engage in higher levels of PA highlights its potential as a useful tool for promoting a healthy lifestyle. Future studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are recommended to better understand the sustained impact of gamified interventions on health among youths.

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to adapt and implement the Czech version of the “Interaction between National and Local Government Levels in Development and Implementation of Physical Activity Policies Tool” (INTEGRATE-PA-Pol). This tool examines the cross-level interactions between national and sub-national government levels during the development and implementation of health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) policies. Methods The research was carried out in three stages: (1) translation of the English tool into Czech by three independent translators; (2) adapt the local-level sections of the six questionnaires to assess regional-level interactions; (3) conduct cognitive response testing and item modification to validate the translation in terms of Czech terminology; and (4) pilot test of the tool across national, regional and local levels of government. Results The Czech version of the INTEGRATE PA-Pol tool evaluates the cross-level perspective of collaboration between national, regional, and local governments during the development and implementation of HEPA policies. This version was tested at the national level, regional (Olomouc), and local levels (Olomouc city). We successfully identified involved sectors and key contacts and collected data for policymakers at the national (n = 2), regional (n = 2), and local (n = 1) levels. Conclusions The Czech adaptation of the INTEGRATE PA-Pol tool was developed to gain a deeper understanding of the design and implementation of physical activity policies at all levels of government involved in the physical activity policies in the Czech Republic. Our study showed the feasibility of adapting the tool to Czech and collecting data for the regional leveĺs involvement in HEPA policies in a European country. Our results will contribute to developing and implementing GoPA!’s global HEPA policy monitoring system. The interview process itself demonstrated important differences in prioritization for physical activity between sectors and government levels.

Abstract Purpose The Physical Activity Policy at the National and City Levels Project aimed to develop and test a tool to assess how national and subnational (city and region) governments collaborate to develop and implement health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) policies. Project Description The development of the “Interaction between National and Local Government Levels in Development and Implementation of Physical Activity Policies Tool” (INTEGRATE-PA-Pol) took place in three phases: 1) scoping review to identify local government physical activity promotion policies and instruments for assessing them, 2) questionnaires development, and 3) cognitive response testing (validity testing and item modification) with local physical activity experts. The final tool comprises six questionnaires assessing how national and subnational governments (city and region) collaborate to develop and implement HEPA policies. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in four Latin American countries and eight of their cities to test the feasibility of the tool used for global surveillance. GoPA! Country Contacts from each country were invited to serve as their country’s principal investigators. Country Contacts identified the main sectors, key actors, and policymakers from each sector involved in HEPA policy development and implementation at the national level, the capital city, and an additional city for participant recruitment. Between August 2022 and February 2023, online snowball sampling surveys collected data on national and subnational government informants' perspectives on the development and implementation stages of national and local HEPA policies. The pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of collecting national and subnational HEPA policy data across countries with the active collaboration of GoPA! Country Contacts. We also successfully identified governmental interactions throughout the PA policy process, suggesting suboptimal engagement between national and subnational levels. Conclusions This tool can assist in better understanding how government levels and sectors collaborate during the HEPA policy process and will help uncover policy gaps and improve policy translation between national and subnational (city and region) governments. Our tool will contribute to developing and implementing a global public policy monitoring system to enable benchmarking and priority setting for HEPA policies.

Background: Population-level physical activity increases are improbable without intersectoral collaboration across government levels and sectors to develop and implement physical activity promotion policies. This study aims to provide information about the development of the Interaction between National and Local Government Levels in Development and Implementation of Physical Activity Policies Tool (INTEGRATE PA-Pol). A framework was created to examine the development and implementation of national and subnational physical activity policies and the (mis)alignment between government levels. Methods: The work was conducted in 3 phases: (1) a scoping review was carried out to identify local government physical activity promotion policies and instruments for assessing them, (2) an expert group designed 6 questionnaires, and (3) cognitive response testing was employed for validity testing and item modification with a panel of research and policy experts. Results: The INTEGRATE PA-Pol Tool consists of 6 questionnaires assessing how national and subnational governments collaborate to develop and implement physical activity promotion policies. Conclusion: This tool can assist in better understanding the development and implementation of a public policy monitoring system that will allow for benchmarking and priority setting to comprehend how physical activity promotion policies are designed and executed.

The aim of this study was to identify the structure of weekly physical activity (PA) of adolescents with varying degrees of participation in school PA and motivation for PA before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. PA was assessed using the IPAQ-long form and motivation by using the MPAM-R questionnaire. Participants (N = 1257) were divided into groups involved and not involved in school PA. During the pandemic, the greatest decrease was observed in vigorous and moderate PA in boys (H = 98.52, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.179) and girls (H = 56.86, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.075) involved in school PA and in boys involved and not involved in school PA and in transportation PA. Physical education (PE) teachers should focus on promoting vigorous PA and home PA for boys and girls in the post-pandemic period. Student participation in school PA and an increase in overall PA should be supported through distance PE, which should be a mandatory part of PE programs and comprehensive school PA programs.

OBJECTIVES:The aim of this study was to developed sex- and age-specific normative-referenced percentile values for health-related fitness among 12 to 18 years old Czech youth.METHODS:This study included cross-sectional data from 1,173 participants (50.7% boys) collected between 2013 and 2016. Participants were recruited from 32 elementary or secondary schools across eight cities located in the Czech Republic. Health-related fitness was objectively measured using both anthropometric (height, body mass, and sum of skinfolds) and performance (20-m shuttle run for cardiorespiratory endurance, modified push-ups for muscular strength/endurance, and V sit-and-reach for flexibility) tests. Sex- and age-specific normative values were calculated using the Lambda Mu Sigma method. Sex- and age-related differences in means were expressed as standardized effect sizes.RESULTS:Normative percentiles were tabulated and displayed as smoothed curves. Among boys, measures of health-related fitness generally increased with age, except for an age-related decline in the sum of skinfolds and a plateau in V sit-and-reach. Among girls, most measures of health-related fitness increased from age 12 to 16 years before stabilizing, except for the sum of skinfolds, which remained stable from age 12 to 18 years. The sex-related differences were large with boys having higher cardiorespiratory endurance and muscular strength/endurance than girls. Girls compared to boys had higher flexibility.CONCLUSIONS:This study presents the most up-to-date sex- and age-specific normative-referenced percentile values for health-related fitness among Czech youth. Normative values may be useful for fitness and public health screening and surveillance, for example, by helping to identify youth with low fitness who might benefit from a fitness-enhancing intervention.

The negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and distance education has significantly affected adolescents' lives. The restrictive policies negatively affected their physical and mental health and life satisfaction. It is therefore desirable to look for ways to eliminate similar negative impacts on adolescents in the future. This study aimed to identify the differences in the association between physical activity and life satisfaction in Polish adolescents before and during the pandemic. The study included 1541 participants (891 before the pandemic and 650 during the pandemic) aged 15-19 years. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form questionnaire was used to assess physical activity, and the Bern Subjective Well-Being Questionnaire was used to evaluate life satisfaction. The objectivity of data collection and analysis before and during the pandemic was ensured by the web application the International Database for Research and Educational Support. During the pandemic, we found lower physical activity and life satisfaction in both boys and girls compared to before the pandemic. Girls with low and high physical activity levels showed significantly lower life satisfaction during the pandemic than they did before. Low life satisfaction was associated with lower physical activity, and high life satisfaction was associated with greater total physical activity. Both boys and girls with low and high life satisfaction achieved significantly fewer physical activity recommendations during the pandemic. High life satisfaction increased the likelihood of meeting the recommendations for physical activity before and during the pandemic. This study provides new insights into the differences and associations between life satisfaction and physical activity in adolescent boys and girls before and during the pandemic. It provides suggestions for the prevention of possible future restrictions in the school settings. Support for post-pandemic life satisfaction in adolescents should focus mainly on increasing vigorous physical activity and improving adolescent participation in organized physical activity settings.