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Physical activity and children

review 1

descriptive epidemiology

This review set out to define patterns of physical activity in children, and to determine the impact of physical activity on short and long term health, and other outcomes. The overall purpose was to help NICE identify populations or developmental stages in which physical activity is low and therefore of concern.

The review has shown that there is a clear rationale for promoting physical activity among children. Physical activity improves current health of children, notably helping to prevent overweight, obesity and Type 2 diabetes, as well as improving skeletal health and mental well-being. Childhood physical activity is also likely to have a positive influence on adult health either through influencing the tracking of risk factors from childhood to adulthood, or through developing patterns of activity that may track into adulthood, although these trends are usually small.

The review of patterns of participation in physical activity showed that there are some specific population sub-groups in which levels of activity are low. These include young girls (aged 10+), children from lower socio-economic groups, children from black and minority ethnic groups, and overweight and obese children.

Data on the provision of PE and sport in school has shown that this mode of activity is generally increasing, and this trend should be encouraged. However, a higher priority might be given to active travel to school, which has been declining for many years. There is very little evidence available to quantify trends in levels of active play. However, review level evidence for the decline in natural play, and access to natural environments, suggest that this might also be a mode of activity that would benefit from being prioritised.

Uitgever(s): National Institute for health and Clinical Excellence,

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Physical activity and children : review 1 : descriptive epidemiology

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