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INTRODUCTION
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SECTION 1
Evidence demonstrates that frequent physical activity, such as running, can substantially improve
the physical fitness and health of children and young people. In particular, there is strong evidence
that physical activity will lead to a stronger heart and lungs, improved muscular fitness, stronger
bones and more favourable levels of body fat. There is also some evidence that physical activity can
reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve academic achievement.
A particular health concern receiving a lot of media interest is the high rate of overweight and
obese children and the prediction that these levels will continue to rise in the future. In 2008 17%
of boys and 15% of girls were classed as obese, and around three in ten boys and girls were
classed as either overweight or obese. Physical activity has an important role to play in helping
to address this problem.
The level of activity needed to achieve the different health benefits varies, however, based on the
evidence available. The current guideline from the Department of Health is that children aged 5–18
years take part in at least 60 minutes of at least moderate intensity physical activity a day. This
activity does not need to be accomplished in one single bout, which may be overwhelming and
discouraging to some children, it can be accumulated over the day.
Evidence suggests that more physical activity may be better and that the inclusion of vigorous
activity, such as running, could have important additional benefits. Higher intensity sustained
activity may be required, for example, to improve cardio-respiratory fitness.
Worryingly, in 2008 only 32% of boys and 24% of girls aged 2–15 years met the 60 minutes a day
physical activity guideline, with many therefore missing out on the potential health benefits.
Participation levels decrease with age, particularly among girls, with very low levels of activity
among girls aged 11–15 years.
Young people are also increasingly spending a significant amount of time being sedentary, which
could have important implications for their health, irrespective of the amount of physical activity
they do.
Innovative initiatives are therefore needed to encourage young people to be more active and these
need to include some that promote participation in vigorous activity. Research suggests if children
and young people are to be attracted to activity it needs to be fun, sociable, promote a sense of
achievement and help them to keep ‘fit and healthy’ and in good shape.
Sonia McGeorge
British Heart Foundation National Centre for Physical Activity and Health (BHFNC)
THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
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