Kwok Ng

University of Turku | UTU · Faculty of Education

Previous physical activity interventions for children (5-12yrs) have aimed to change determinants associated with self-report physical activity behaviour (PAB) and/or sedentary behaviour (SB), however, the associations between these determinants and PAB/SB in different settings are uncertain. The present study aimed to identify modifiable determina...

In recent decades, there has been a growing interest in studying the appeal of digital games. However, there is still a call for further research, especially on the theoretical and methodological advancements. Hence, a novel approach and a concept of the Digital Gaming Relationship (DGR) is presented. The DGR model is adapted from earlier work on p...

Background Poor sleep is common among adolescents and associated with unintentional injuries. The current evidence base is limited by differences in measures of sleep and injury implemented across studies. We examined the potential universality of the relationship between poor sleep and injury cross-nationally using self-reports from 229,589 adoles...

Purpose The Active School Flag (ASF) is a multi-stage, multi-component, whole-of-school physical activity (PA) programme in Ireland. This study assessed health literacy, PA knowledge, beliefs about consequences of PA and programme awareness among ASF secondary school students. Survey findings prompted an inquiry with ASF programme implementers to e...

Purpose The Active School Flag (ASF) is a whole-of-school, physical activity (PA) programme in Ireland. At second level, student leadership is central to ASF, as adolescents aged 15–16 years in Transition Year (TY), are peer-leaders (PL) of ASF in their school. TY is a one-year programme unique to Ireland, that provides adolescents with skills and...

Purpose: Physical activity provides a wide range of health benefits for children and adolescents with disabilities (CAWD). However, despite CAWD being at higher risk of physical inactivity, there is a lack of surveillance systems that capture physical activity data of CAWD. To address this gap, the Global Matrix of Para Report Cards on physical act...

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic heightened mental health challenges experienced by university students. While benefits of regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and strength training physical activity (STPA) on mental health are well documented, confinements related to the pandemic restricted opportunities to engage. This paper aims to...

Purpose Physical literacy (PL), defined as physical competence, confidence, motivation, and knowledge and understanding, is the foundation for physical activity (PA). PL is inclusive of all, yet PL research has proved quite exclusive, with a scarcity of data on those with disabilities. In Ireland, National PA Report Cards present contrasting grades...

Purpose Since 1948, the Paralympic Games are a platform that gives opportunities to persons with disabilities for competitions akin to the Olympic games. This may be seen as fulfilment of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities . Article 30, where people with disabilities have the to participate in cultural life, re...

Whole-school physical activity (PA) programmes are widely recommended for PA promotion by the international society of PA for health. In Ireland, the Active School Flag (ASF) is such a programme and is supported by both Departments of Education and Health with the purpose of increasing PA opportunities for the whole school community, focusing mainl...

Objectives: Childhood obesity has become a worldwide public health concern over the past decade, counting Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to address the lack of standardized surveillance data on childhood obesity. However, BiH and its entity, R...

Background Although physical activity (PA) is associated with significant health benefits, only a small percentage of adolescents meet recommended PA levels. This systematic review with meta-analysis explored the modifiable determinants of adolescents’ device-based PA and/or sedentary behaviour (SB), evaluated in previous interventions and examined...

Introduction: Currently, we know little about the impact of determinants of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) in children and adolescents with disabilities. This systematic review aims to summarise the existing evidence concerning the determinants of PA and SB in this population. Method: The systematic review was based on the DE-P...

Introduction: Currently, we know little about the impact of determinants of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) in children and adolescents with disabilities. This systematic review aims to summarise the existing evidence concerning the determinants of PA and SB in this population. Method: The systematic review was based on the DE-P...

Background The family has been acknowledged as central to developing physical activity (PA) beliefs and behaviours. However, increased diversity in family structures has developed over the last decades. This study examines the association between family structure and PA among adolescents and cross-national variations in the associations. Methods T...

Objective: Sociodemographic differences in physical activity (PA) levels during the transition from childhood to adolescence, particularly in Central Asian countries, is lacking. In this study, we examine individual, family and environmental sociodemographic variables associated with PA among children and young adolescents in Kazakhstan. Study desi...

Body composition is a fundamental component of physical fitness related to the performance of Sitting volleyball (SV) players. Also, establishing the best method for evaluating the body composition of these para-athletes would be highly necessary for this field. The purpose of this study was (1) to describe the body composition of male and female h...

This report summarizes findings from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey round 2021/2022 regarding the unequal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents' health and health behaviours in 22 countries and regions of the WHO European Region. Risk factors contributed to different extents to the pandemic's impact on adolescents' hea...

Background The Ireland North and South Report Card on Physical Activity (PA) for Children and Adolescents aims to monitor progress in PA participation across a range of internationally established indicators. Methods Data were collated for 11 indicators and graded following the harmonised Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance report card process. Si...

Background: This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the Polish Para Report Card, which assessesvarious aspects of physical activity (PA) and related indicators among Polish children and adolescents withdisabilities. This area has been under-researched, especially in the Polish context.Methods: The research methodology included systematic...

Background Physical activity (PA) for adolescents is an important health promotion habit to develop, yet other activities may be more appealing during this stage in life. According to the displacement hypothesis, time on digital games takes away the opportunity to be physically active. As there is a notable decline in PA levels between the ages of...

Background The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for at least, on average, 60 minutes per day, and muscle strengthening exercises at least three times a week for adolescent health. Lockdowns, sports club and school closures during COVID-19 limited children's PA opportunities. The aim of this st...

Purpose Adolescents are among the least physically active population sub-groups. Adolescence is a key transition period in which physical activity (PA) habits develop and track into adulthood. Knowledge and awareness are key factors of behaviour change. Yet, few adolescents can correctly identify the recommended PA guidelines to achieve health bene...

Purpose Low physical activity (PA) levels among adolescents emphasises the need for PA interventions. School-based interventions that involve peer leaders (PL) such as the second-level Active School Flag (SLASF) program may be a useful way to encourage PA among adolescents. However, it is unclear what effect being a peer leader of a PA intervention...

Purpose Schools in the second level Active School Flag (ASF) programme are required to carry out a whole school survey to capture the student voice within the programme. Data from these surveys can be used to measure changes in physical activity behaviours at the school level. This presentation outlines the changes in physical activity levels over...

Purpose Given the many policies and interventions aimed at increasing physical activity (PA), it is important to understand how levels of PA, sport participation and active travel change over time. The purpose of this study is to assess the participation levels of children and adolescents in sport, PA and active travel in Northern Ireland (NI) and...

This summary report provides an overview of the key findings from the 2022 Children's Sports Participation and Physical Activity Study (CSPPA). This was an All-Island study with 8,881 children aged 10-19 years old from the Republic of Ireland (6,358) and Northern Ireland (2,523) participating in the research programme. In total there were 1,758 pr...

Purpose: To evaluate statistical models developed for predicting medal-winning performances for international swimming events and generate updated performance predictions for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Methods: The performance of 2 statistical models developed for predicting international swimming performances was evaluated. The first model e...

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) and universal mitigation strategies have fundamentally affected peoples’ lives worldwide, particularly during the first two years of the pandemic. Reductions in physical activity (PA) and increased mental health (MH) problems among children and youth have been observed. This systematic review a...

The purpose was to synthesize information gathered from the interpretation and conclusion sections of the Global Matrix of Para Report Cards on the physical activity of children and adolescents with disabilities. The synthesis was based on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats framework. The procedure consisted of three stages: (a)...

The impact of early single sport participation among young people has received much attention, with both sport leaders and pediatricians advocating multi-sport participation at least until early adolescence. In this study we explored the association between family socioeconomic status and level of Irish youth specialization in sport. We relied on d...

PURPOSE: Within a series of systematic reviews on the modifiable determinants of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) in children and adolescents with and without disabilities, the present review aimed to identify modifiable determinants of PA and SB specifically for children and adolescents with disabilities across settings. METHODS...

Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a precursor for disabilities and death worldwide. Being overweight or obese in combination with physical inactivity and smoking habits may increase the risk for CVD and other health problems such as lower limb osteoarthritis, diabetes, stroke, and various cancer types among children and adolescents. The...

This is an overview of the results from 14 countries or jurisdictions in a Global Matrix of Para Report Cards on physical activity (PA) of children and adolescents with disabilities. The methodology was based on the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance’s Global Matrix 4.0. Data were aligned with 10 indicators (Overall PA, Organized Sport, Active Pla...

This cross-sectional observational study sought to examine the environmental correlates of physical activity and screen-time among youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Parents of youth with ASD (n = 1,165) from seven countries/regions provided responses to an online survey form measuring environmental correlates (i.e., physical activity neigh...

Despite the recognized benefits of physical activity (PA) for children and adolescents with disabilities (CAWD), collective information on this is lacking in Lithuania. The purpose of this study was to investigate the current "state of the nation" PA levels of CAWD, based on the 10 indicators from the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance Global Matr...

The physical activity (PA) and health behaviours among pupils in special education classes and schools (SECS) is largely understudied. The purpose of this study is to report the process of converting PA and health surveys that can be comparable to the general population. A series of studies were taken. 1. Usability of the survey in SECS, 2. Pilot s...

Children and adolescents with disabilities (CAWD) represent 11% of Israeli children and adolescents. The 10 core indicators of the Global Matrix on Para Report Cards of physical activity (PA) of CAWD were used to create the 2022 Israeli Para Report Card. A panel of four experts reviewed resources and synthesized evidence of PA behaviors and policie...

Finland’s 2022 Para Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents With Disabilities includes a summary of results and grades for 10 physical activity indicators and highlights how these grades are interpreted by stakeholders. The disability classification was based on the UNICEF/Washington Group on Disability Statistics measure, Gen...

Background The Biopsychosocial (BPS) model is recognized and widely accepted in the field of health care, particularly in rehabilitation. However, in clinical practice the applicability of the BPS model is a challenge for many professionals. Method This study aimed to explore the factors that impact the perception of rehabilitation professionals a...

For the first time, data on children and adolescents with disabilities in Ireland are reported based on the Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance Para Report Card methodology. The most recent data from the last 10 years were used in the grading process (A+ to F), and indicators with insufficient data were graded as incomplete. Of the 10 indicators fr...

Background: COVID-19 restrictions have led to social isolation affecting youth's health, particularly at-risk youth. Objectives: We examined whether an online mentoring health intervention (OMHI) would strengthen characteristics that can prevent risky behaviors: resilience, perceived social support, psychological distress, and crisis concerns....

Whole-of-school programmes (WSPs) are recommended to promote physical activity for adolescents. The Active School Flag (ASF) programme for secondary-level schools is one such WSP. Due to the difficulties of incorporating WSPs into the complex school system, there is a risk of poor implementation. The monitoring of unanticipated influences can help...

Background: Physical inactivity among children and adolescents with disabilities (CAWD) is a global public health issue. Policy efforts to promote physical activity (PA) among AWD have increased. This study summarizes the international policy trend for promoting PA among CAWD, with behavioral and policy insights specific to CAWD from country/region...

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the associations between the 10 key indicators of the Global Matrix 4.0 project and human development index (HDI) at a national level according to sex, age, area of residence, and ability levels. Methods: Information from the 57 countries/localities included in the Global Matrix 4.0 project was co...

Background Strong variations in injury rates have been documented cross-nationally. Historically, these have been attributed to contextual determinants, both social and physical. We explored an alternative, yet understudied, explanation for variations in adolescent injury reporting—that varying access to medical care is, in part, responsible for cr...

Physical activity among children and adolescents remains insufficient, despite the substantial efforts made by researchers and policymakers. Identifying and furthering our understanding of potential modifiable determinants of physical activity behaviour (PAB) and sedentary behaviour (SB) is crucial for the development of interventions that promote...

Teachers’ work is increasingly augmented with intelligent tools that extend their pedagogical abilities. While these tools may have positive effects, they require use of students’ personal data, and more research into student preferences regarding these tools is needed. In this study, we investigated how learning strategies and study engagement are...

Background: Several school-based interventions are effective in improving child diet and physical activity, and preventing excessive weight gain, and tobacco or harmful alcohol use. However, schools are frequently unsuccessful in implementing such evidence-based interventions. Objectives: 1. To evaluate the benefits and harms of strategies aimin...

Background Physical activity for adolescents with disabilities (AWD) are reported to have even greater health benefits than for adolescents without disabilities (AWoD). The settings for organised physical activity opportunities can include physical education, extra-curricular activities and community sport. Few studies have reported whether there a...

To prepare the 2022 Ireland North and South Physical Activity Report Card, the strengths and weakness of the 2016 & 2014 Report Cards were reviewed. One of the primary strengths the 2022 edition was the inclusion of representatives in the research working group from across the island of Ireland, as this builds connections and allows for continued c...

Background: Worldwide, adolescents are not meeting the minimum recommended physical activity (PA) guidelines to achieve health benefits. Awareness of the guidelines among adolescents is low, only 3.6% can report them correctly. The school is an ideal PA promotion setting, no other institute has the same reach or influence on the adolescent populati...

The Biopsychosocial (BPS) model is recognized and widely accepted in the field of health care, particularly in rehabilitation. However, in clinical practice the applicability of the BPS model is a challenge for many professionals. Method. This study aimed to explore the factors that impact the perception of rehabilitation professionals about the BP...

Background Meeting daily guidelines for physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration is associated with a host of health indicators for youth. In this cross-sectional observational study, we investigated the associations between adherence to the movement guidelines and health-related outcomes among youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)....

Purpose: to analyze the first experience of administering Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) for the students (studs) enrolled in the master's degree program majoring in physical therapy at National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport. Material and methods. The survey included 21 examiners (examrs) and 46 studs invo...

This study investigated demographic factors, teaching characteristics, psychological characteristics, school-related characteristics, professional efficacy, and subjective health perceptions among PE teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a cross-sectional research design. Questionnaires were distributed to PE teachers online during CO...

Introduction: The global matrix on physical activity report cards are now in its four iteration. It started with 15 countries in 2014 and has rapidly grown to over 50 countries in 2021. This is the first time that countries are collectively reporting on disability specific report card data and converting the best available data into easy to underst...

Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the associations of sports video gaming behaviour in the sociological concept of Physical Activity Relationships (PAR) and to see if sports video gaming differs by gender. Methods: A convenience sample of children between 11–12 years of age (n = 114) from three Finnish regions completed a questionnaire...

Background Valid and reliable research tools to assess children’s and adolescent’s health-related behaviour are highly needed across the globe. Rapid economic development, globalization, and associated lifestyle challenges observed in most countries support the need for high-quality evidence in adolescents to target health-promoting policies and in...

Aim To analyse the associations between bullying victimisation, disability, and self-reported psychosomatic complaints in adolescents, and to investigate the role of support from parents and teachers in such associations. Methods The study was based on Finnish and Swedish data from two waves (2013/2014 and 2017/2018) of the Health Behaviour in Sch...

This study investigates chronic conditions (CC) prevalence among children in mainstream schools, their school experience and life satisfaction in Europe. Data were collected from the 2017/2018 HBSC survey, a cross-national study using self-reported questionnaires administered in classrooms. Nationally representative samples of children aged 11, 13,...

Purpose This study aims to identify distinct typologies of joint family activities and the associations with mental health and wellbeing among adolescents across four countries from the World Health Organization European region. Methods The 2017/2018 data from adolescents from Armenia (n = 3,977, Mage = 13.5 ± 1.6 years, 53.4% female), Czechia (n...

Physical educators report a multitude of benefits from accessing informal learning opportunities via social media. However, a lack of research has been conducted on adapted physical education (APE) teachers’ usage of social media for professional learning (PL) purposes. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore how APE teachers use social medi...

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number one cause of death globally and are partially due to the inability to control modifiable lifestyle risk factors. The aim of this study was to analyze the profiles of adolescents from seven Mediterranean countries (Greece, Israel, Italy, Macedonia, Malta, Portugal, Spain) according to their modifiable li...

Physical activity is associated with better health in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). Numerous physical activity interventions have been designed to promote physical activity among youth with CP. No previous studies have explored the factors contributing to the intention to participate and predicting attendance behaviour for these interventio...

Background Physical activity (PA) is recognised as one of the leading and effective strategies to prevent non-communicable diseases that boosts the immune system to fight against diseases. Closures of schools, sport clubs and facilities because of COVID-19 reduced the opportunities to participate in PA. We aimed to examine physical activity levels...

Background: Whole-of-school programmes (WSPs) are one of eight best investments to reduce physical inactivity. The 'Secondary Level Active School Flag' (SLASF) programme for students aged 12-19 years is one such WSP for physical activity. This student-led programme is guided by student voice, fun, inclusiveness and partnerships. Due to the complexi...

Background. Low levels of physical activity (PA) in adolescents highlight the necessity for effective intervention. During adolescence, peer relationships can be a fundamental aspect of adopting and maintaining positive health behaviors. Aim. This review aims to determine peer-led strategies that showed promise to improve PA levels of adolescents....

Background People with physical disabilities (PWPD) have limited opportunities to participate in sport activities. Sitting light volleyball (SLVB) is an adapted sport that combines light volleyball and paralympic sitting volleyball. This study examined the effectiveness of an SLVB intervention program to improve the physical and psychological healt...

The aim of this study was to examine the trends in Olympic Games (OLY) and World Long Course Championships (WLC) across three performance categories (1st-3rd, 4th-8th and 9th-16th), and to make predictions for the 2024 OLY. Top 16 rankings were obtained for all OLY and WLC competitions between 2011 and 2019. Linear regression and forecasting models...

Background Physical activity (PA) is recognised as one of the leading and effective strategies to prevent non-communicable diseases that boosts the immune system to fight against diseases. Closures of schools, sport clubs and facilities because of COVID-19 reduced the opportunities to participate in PA. We aimed to examine physical activity levels...

Approximately 1·5 billion people worldwide live with a physical, mental, sensory, or intellectual disability, about 80% of which are in low-income and middle-income countries. This Series paper provides a global overview of the prevalence, benefits, and promotion policies for physical activity for people living with disabilities (PLWD). PLWD are 16...

Rapid decisions to postpone the 2020 Paralympics were based on the spread of COVID-19. Little is known about the impact of the pandemic on paralympic sports during the early phases of it. One of the most popular parasports is sitting volleyball. The aim of this study was to examine how sitting volleyball athletes, coaches, and administrators were a...