The realms of children’s physical activity. A research on a walk-to-school intervention in Italy

When speaking about children’s physical activity (PA) promotion, the focus should be directed to all the “realms” of experience of the pupils. The first group of realms is directly connected with children’s autonomy to roam in the public space thus improving their independent mobility; the second gathers activities performed with adults for mobility or leisure purposes; the third is related with adults organized and guided sport, leisure or educational activities in and out school time. The first two realms challenge the parents’ lifestyles and urban mobility culture. Furthermore, there are positive correlations in European countries between children’s independent mobility and PA levels. Thus, also according to the results of the longitudinal quali-quantitative, community based, research-intervention carried out in Cassino (IT) on walk-to-school routes, the emphasis of the policies to promote PA should be on the cultural, educational, legislative determinants of PA.