Community and built environment for physical activity in Brazilian children and adolescents: an updated systematic review for the 2026 Report Card Brazil

David Nunes Oliveira; Leandro de Almeida Nascimento; Radfan Naumann Oliveira Leite; Tatiane Kosimenko Ferrari Figueiredo; Eduardo Rossato de Victo; Gerson Ferrari; Danilo Rodrigues Pereira da Silva; Ricardo Aurelio Carvalho Sampaio

doi:10.1590/1980-0037.2026v28e111202

Autores/as

David Nunes Oliveira Federal University of Sergipe https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9608-0110
Leandro de Almeida Nascimento Federal University of Sergipe https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0236-6068
Radfan Naumann Oliveira Leite Federal University of Sergipe https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8850-9785
Tatiane Kosimenko Ferrari Figueiredo University of São Paulo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5365-3986
Eduardo Rossato de Victo São Paulo State University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4409-741X
Gerson Ferrari Autonomous University of Chile https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3177-6576
Danilo Rodrigues Pereira da Silva Federal University of Sergipe https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3995-4795
Ricardo Aurelio Carvalho Sampaio Federal University of Sergipe https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0005-1145

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-0037.2026v28e111202

Palabras clave:

Entorno construido, actividad física, jóvenes, entorno escolar

Resumen

The built and community environment is a key determinant of physical activity (PA) in youth. This study updated evidence on environmental indicators associated with PA among Brazilian children and adolescents to inform the 2025 Brazil Report Card. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. LILACS, SciELO, and MEDLINE/PubMed were searched for studies published between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024. Eligible studies included Brazilian samples aged 0–19 years assessing at least one community or built environment indicator related to PA. Two reviewers independently screened, selected, and extracted data. Environmental domains comprised access and availability, infrastructure quality, proximity, safety, environmental quality, and social environment. Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria, including one nationally representative study. Evidence was concentrated in the South, Southeast, and Northeast, with no studies from the North or Center-West. Most studies combined perceived and objective measures (e.g., GIS, MAPS, PARA, NEWS-Y). Findings identified structural barriers: limited active transport infrastructure (e.g., low prevalence of bike lanes), long home–school distances, insufficient public spaces within 500 meters of residence, and poor-quality facilities. School environments often lacked specialized PA infrastructure. Perceived neighborhood safety was a consistent barrier, especially among girls. Despite methodological advances, environmental inequalities persist across Brazilian regions. Inadequate infrastructure, poor accessibility, and safety concerns remain major barriers to youth PA. Policies improving the built environment are essential to promote equitable opportunities for active living.

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