The scientifc evidence available for the age group 517 years supports the overall
conclusion that physical activity provides fundamental health benefts for children
and youth. Appropriate levels of physical activity contribute to the development of:
healthy musculoskeletal tissues (i.e. bones, muscles and joints);
healthy cardiovascular system (i.e. heart and lungs);
neuromuscular awareness (i.e. coordination and movement control); and
It also facilitates maintenance of a healthy body weight.
Moreover, physical activity has been associated with psychological benefts in young
people by: improving their control over symptomps of anxiety and depression; and
assisting in social development by providing opportunities for self-expression,
building self-confdence, social interaction and integration.
These recommendations are relevant to all healthy children aged 517 years, unless
specifc medical conditions indicate to the contrary, irrespective of gender, race,
ethnicity, or income level. Whenever possible, children and youth with disabilities
should meet these recommendations. However they should work with their health
care provider to understand the types and amounts of physical activity appropriate
for them considering their disability.
If children are currently doing no physical activity, doing amounts below the
recommended levels will bring more benefts than doing none at all. They should
start with small amounts of physical activity and gradually increase duration,
frequency and intensity over time.
The concept of accumulation refers to meeting the goal of 60 minutes per day by
performing activities in multiple shorter bouts spread throughout the day (e.g. 2
bouts of 30 minutes), then adding together the time spent during each of these
bouts.
Recommendations:
For children and young people, physical activity includes play, games, sports,
transportation, chores, recreation, physical education, or planned exercise, in
the context of family, school, and community activities. The recommendations
to improve cardiorespiratory and muscular ftness, bone health, and
cardiovascular and metabolic health biomarkers are:
1. Children and youth aged 5-17 should accumulate at least 60 minutes of
moderate - to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
2. Amounts of physical activity greater than 60 minutes provide additional
health benefts.
3. Most of the daily physical activity should be aerobic. Vigorous-intensity
activities should be incorporated, including those that strengthen muscle and
bone, at least 3 times per week.
For further information see: http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/pa/en/index.html
or contact WHO on [email protected]
517 years old
Global Recommendations on
Physical Activity for Health
World Health Organization 2011
