Global Matrix 4.0 on Physical Activity for Children and Adolescents: Project Evolution, Process Evaluation, and Future Recommendations

The Global Matrix initiative provides unique insights into child and adolescent physical activity (PA) worldwide, yet requires substantial human efforts and financial support. This study aimed to evaluate the process and outcomes of the latest edition of the initiative, the Global Matrix 4.0, reflect on its evolution from earlier editions, and provide recommendations for future Global Matrices. The evaluation followed a predetermined plan, which included collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data from 3 online surveys to participants and online user activity metrics from MailChimp reports and Google Analytics. Global Matrix 4.0 participants (57 teams, 682 experts) assessed the PA status in their country/jurisdiction on at least 10 PA indicators and submitted 570 grades for global comparisons. Surveys were completed by 97% to 100% of targeted respondents and demonstrated predominantly high satisfaction rates (>80%) with participation, outputs, and project management. Lack of funding and inadequate national PA data availability were the commonly reported concerns. Suggestions for improvement included amending indicators' benchmarks and expanding the scope of the initiative to early years, underrepresented populations, and additional indicators. This evaluation process revealed the positive experience of Global Matrix 4.0 participants and the successful delivery of expected outcomes. Reviewing the core set of indicators and benchmarks, expanding the initiative's scope, and fundraising efforts are recommended to further optimize the use of resources and maximize impact.