Henri Tilga

The aim of this article is to summarize the results of the 2022 Estonian Physical Activity Report Card across 10 indicators based on available scientific data and national databases, and, additionally, to compare the current results with previous Report Card results. A national expert panel, consisting of research and policy experts, identified the available sources and synthesized as well as graded relevant data related to the physical activity (PA) of Estonian children and youth. Grade B was assigned to Organized Sports and Physical Activity (B−), Community and Environment (B+), and Government (B). Grade C was assigned to Overall Physical Activity (C+), Physical Fitness (C+), Family and Peers (C−), and School (C+). The lowest grade, D, was assigned to Active Play (D), Active Transportation (D+), and Sedentary Behaviors (D−). In Estonia, the participation rate in organized sport is relatively high, and government in addition to community support seem to be at a relatively good level. However, a relatively high number of children and youth did not meet the current PA guidelines, and the levels of sedentary behavior and screen time were very high. The PA of children and youth should be a cross-disciplinary priority, and focus should be put on developing schoolyards and outdoor breaks, varied and easily accessible organized sport, the use of active transportation, and the implementation of physical education that supports leisure time activities.

In addition to aerobic physical activity, adults of all ages should engage in muscle-strengthening activities (i.e., strength training). The main aim of this study was to identify the strength training habits and awareness of its recommendations among the study group of 18–64-year-old residents of Pärnu County. The sample consisted of 18–63-year-old residents of Pärnu County, who completed a questionnaire (n = 250) including sociodemographic and lifestyle-related information, strength training habits, and awareness of the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations on physical activity about muscle strengthening activities (i.e., strength training). The results showed that 42% of the participants engaged in regular strength training on a weekly basis and 36.4% were aware of the WHO recommendations to engage in strength training on a weekly basis. The participants who were younger, at a normal weight, rated their daily physical activity higher and health better, were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of engaging in regular strength training on a weekly basis. The participants of the study who were aware that the WHO recommends engaging in strength training at least twice a week, were more likely to engage in regular strength training on a weekly basis, the majority of them at least twice a week.