Regular moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) during adolescence supports heart and metabolic health, muscle and bone strength, mental health, and learning and social development, with many of these benefits continuing into adulthood. However, physical activity levels typically decline during adolescence while sedentary screen time increases. In NSW, only 14% of adolescents aged 9–15 years met the physical activity component of the Australian 24-hour Movement Guidelines in 2023–2024, down from 24% in 2014–2015 (a relative decline of ~40%). This trend highlights the need for effective, scalable, and equitable policy and program strategies to increase adolescent physical activity levels across settings.

This review aimed to address the following specific questions:

Question 1: For adolescents aged 13–17 years, which types of policy and program interventions across key settings (e.g., community, sport, family, schools) are most effective in increasing physical activity levels?

Question 2: In adolescents aged 13–17 years participating in physical activity initiatives, how do individual, socio-cultural, environmental, and policy-related factors (e.g., gender, socioeconomic status, cultural background, geographical location [rural/regional vs urban], family support, access to recreational spaces, active transport infrastructure/walkability, school physical activity policies/programs), compared to their absence or variation, influence the success or failure of these initiatives?

Question 3: In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents aged 13–17 years, how effective are culturally responsive physical activity interventions, particularly those developed in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, compared to standard or non-tailored approaches in increasing physical activity levels or program engagement?

Citation

Singh B, Ridgers ND, Crozier A, Tomkinson GR and Maher C. Effective strategies to increase physical activity among adolescents: An Evidence Check systematic review and scoping review brokered by the Sax Institute (www.saxinstitute.org.au) for the NSW Ministry of Health, 2025. doi:10.57022/vjxo3976

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