Physical activity is essential for the physical and mental well-being of children and adolescents. However, numerous barriers prevent youth from achieving adequate physical activity levels. Understanding these barriers is critical for designing effective interventions to promote healthier lifestyles globally. This systematic review aimed to identify and synthesize the key barriers to maintaining physical activity among children and adolescents worldwide. The review followed preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines, including studies published between the years January 2010 and December 2024. Relevant studies were identified through comprehensive searches in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria targeted studies focused on children and adolescents (10-19 years) and identified barriers to physical activity. A total of 10 studies were included, encompassing diverse populations from different regions. The most commonly reported barriers were lack of time (LT), social support, and motivation. LT was highlighted in studies from Poland, the United States, and Brazil, affecting over 50% of participants in some cases. Social support barriers, particularly from family and peers, were prevalent, with rates as high as 75.8% among females in Brazil. Lack of motivation was also a consistent challenge, reported by 40.5% of females in Brazil and 3.2 mean scores in Italy. Other notable barriers included lack of energy, fear of injury, school obligations, and appearance-related concerns. Barriers to physical activity in children and adolescents are of many aspects. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach, integrating targeted interventions to enhance time management, social support, and motivational strategies.
Key words: Barriers, physical activity, children, adolescents, systematic review
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