Combined movement programs showed mixed results for children and teens
Screen time decreased and sleep duration increased in pooled analyses, while physical activity and total sedentary behavior showed no statistically significant changes.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
This abstract-based review found that programs addressing activity, sedentary behavior and sleep together were followed by less screen time and slightly longer sleep in children and adolescents. Physical activity and total sedentary behavior did not change significantly. The abstract does not identify the comparison conditions, which limits interpretation of the reported changes.
Screen-time results varied substantially across studies. The abstract does not report intervention lengths, comparison conditions or whether the changes persisted after the programs ended.
What researchers found
Screen time
Pooled change after combined behavior interventions; the comparator and assessment timing were not reported in the abstract.
What was tested
Included programs targeted activity, sedentary behavior or screen time, and sleep simultaneously. The review therefore addresses combined approaches, and cannot identify which individual component accounted for the changes reported in the abstract.
Why the outcomes remain distinct
Less screen time did not coincide with a statistically significant change in overall sedentary behavior. Likewise, longer sleep did not establish an increase in physical activity. The favorable results did not extend to every behavior targeted.
The original publication
The Efficacy of Interventions Targeting 24-h Movement Behaviours in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Feng J, Yin X, Shen Y et al.
Sports Med Open · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41402573
- Record checked
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