Why Are Children's Physical Performance Declining in Europe?

A recent study has found a concerning decline in the physical condition of children and adolescents in Europe. The research, conducted in Spain, revealed a significant drop in factors such as muscle strength, flexibility, and body composition.The study evaluated the physical fitness levels of 417,362 children aged 6-16 from 20 European countries, showing a marked decline in physical condition indicators since the 1990s.This decline in children's physical condition could lead to serious health problems in the future. It was found that upper body muscle strength has generally decreased since the 1970s, while lower body muscle strength has been continuously declining since the 1980s.The most notable decline was observed in flexibility, which accelerated after 2000. Additionally, it was noted that children's body fat ratio has increased, and this is not always fully detected by body mass index alone.