Table 2 Detailed guideline summary
Descriptors | Recommendations | Reference | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Country | Issuing authority | Date of release | Age group | Duration | Intensity | Frequency | Inclusion of vigorous physical activity | Additional information | Bouts | Inclusion of a sedentary behaviour recommendation | Guideline link or pdf |
Argentina Manual Director De Actividad Física Y Salud De La Republica Argentina | Ministerio De Salud De La Nación (Spanish) | 2013 | 5–17 years | At least 60 min | Moderate to vigorous | Every Day | Should incorporate intense activities at least 3 times per week. | Physical activity > 60 min reported additional health benefits. Daily physical activity should be, for the most part, cardiorespiratory endurance. Should include activities to strengthen muscles and bones, at least 3 times a week | https://www.slideshare.net/GESAD/manual-director-de-actividad-fsica-de-la-repblica-argentina | ||
Australia | Australian Government Department of Health | 2019 | 5–17 years | At least 60 min | Moderate to vigorous (involving mainly aerobic activities) | Every day | Activities that are vigorous at least 3 days per week. | Several hours of a variety of light physical activities. As well as those that strengthen muscle and bone should be incorporated at least 3 days per week. Sleep: An uninterrupted 9 to 11 h of sleep per night for 5–13 years and 8 to 10 h per night for 14–17 years. Consistent bed and wake-up times. | Limiting sedentary recreational screen time to no more than 2 h per day. Breaking up long periods of sitting as often as possible. For greater benefit replace sedentary time with additional MVPA, while preserving sufficient sleep. | http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-24-hours-phys-act-guidelines | |
Austria Austrian recommendations For health-enhancing physical Activity | Federal Ministry of Health, Health Austria GmbH and Business Unit Fund Healthy Austria | 2013 | School aged children and adolescents | At least 60 min | Moderate to vigorous | Every day | Several times a week activities that stimulate the cardiovascular system through endurance sport activities. | Several times a week activities that build strong bones, strengthen muscles, improve agility and maintain flexibility Several times a week: activities that improve agility and maintain flexibility Children at primary school should engage in considerably more physical activity. | Avoid long periods of inactivity- It is recommended that individuals avoid long periods of physical inertia as much as possible or that they punctuate such periods lasting around two hours or longer with active stints of physical activity. | ||
Canada | Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) | 2016 | 5–17 years | Accumulate at least 60 min | High levels of physical activity, low levels of sedentary behaviour, and sufficient sleep. | Every day | Vigorous PA should each be incorporated at least 3 days per week. | Several hours of a variety of structured and unstructured light physical activities Muscle and bone strengthening activities should each be incorporated at least 3 days per week. Sleep: Uninterrupted 9 to 11 h of sleep per night for 5–13 years and 8 to 10 h per night for 14–17 years. | Sedentary behaviour: no more than 2 h per day of screen time and limit sitting for extended periods. | https://indd.adobe.com/view/b82b4a90-6e46-4b1a-b628-d53805688baf | |
Chile Recomendaciones para la práctica de Actividad Fisica segun curso de vida | Ministerio de Deporte, Saludy Educacion (Spanish) | 2017 | 0–3 years 4–6 years 7–9 years 10–17 years | At least 60 to 90 min | Moderate to vigorous | Every day | Muscle and bone strengthening activities should be incorporated 2 or more days per week. Activities for muscle strengthening and flexibility at least 2 times per week. Encourage active transport and outdoor physical activities. Promoto to be active at home, at the school and in general during daily routine. | Aerobic activities can be done in bouts of at least 10 min. | |||
China | National Children’s Medical Center | 2018 | 6–17 years | Minimum of 60 min | Moderate to vigorous (involving mainly aerobic activities) | Every day | Recommend vigorous PA be incorporated at least 3 days per week. | Recommend bone and muscle strengthening activities be incorporated at least 3 days per week. | Limiting screen time to no more than 2 h per day. Reducing prolonged sedentary behaviour at class. Promoting physical activity during break times. | 张云婷, et al. “中国儿童青少年身体活动指南.” 中国循证儿科杂志 12.6 (2017): 401–409. | |
Finland | National Institute for Health and Welfare | 2008 for PA 2015 for SB | 7–18 years | At least 1 to 2 h | Physically active | Every day | In a variety of ways suitable for each age group. At least two hours for a 7-year-old and at least an hour for an 18-year-old | The daily dose of exercise should include several at least 10 min of brisk exercise periods | Do not sit still continuously for longer than one hour. Sitting still for more than two hours straight should be avoided. Screen time with entertainment media should not exceed two hours a day. | ||
France | French Agency for food environmental and occupational health safety | Updated 2016 | 6–11 year and 12–17 years | At least 60 min (6–11 years) 60 min (12–17 years) | MVPA | Every day | 6-11 years: 1 h of MVPA daily 12-17 years: 1 h of MVPA daily exercising the muscles and improving stamina and flexibility Sleep: 6–11 years 9–11 h of sleep 12–17 years: 8.5–9.5 h of sleep | At least 3 sessions of at least 20 min of high intensity PA (non-consecutive days) | 6–11 years: no more than 2 h per day in front of a screen 12–17 years: Limit time in front of a screen and avoid staying in a sitting position for more than 2 consecutive hours | ||
Germany | German Federal Ministry for Health | 2016 | 6-11 years and 12-18 years | 90 min or more; (60 min on every day activities e.g. at least 12,000 steps) | MVPA | Every day | For primary school aged children, the large muscle groups should be subject to higher-intensity loading on two to three days a week to improve strength and endurance. Physically inactive children and adolescents should be introduced gradually to the target, e.g. initially 30 min of physical activity on one to two days per week. The duration is then increased first, after which the intensity is increased | Reduce avoidable sitting to a minimum; particularly reduce screen media to a minimum. Primary school children maximum 60 min/day Adolescents: maximum of 120 min/day | |||
Ghana | Ministry of Health | 2009 | Children and adolescents (age not stated) | Moderate to vigorous | Every day | Vigorous aerobic exercise at least 3 days a week. | Bone-strengthening physical activity 3 days a week. | ||||
Malaysia | Malaysian Ministry of Health | 2017 | 5–17 years | At least 60 min | Moderate or vigorous (involving mainly aerobic activities) | Every day | Vigorous intensity should be incorporated | Amounts of physical activity greater than 60 min provide additional health benefits. Activities that strengthen muscle and bone such as squat, push-ups, curl-ups and lunges should be incorporated. It is recommended that 30 min of physical activities should be performed in the morning and the rest in the evening depending on the individual’s schedule. | https://mdes.org.my/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/garis-panduan-aktiviti-fizikal-2017.pdf | ||
Mexico | National council for science and technology and Board of Directors of the National Academy of Medicine in agreement with the WHO | 2015 | 5–17 years | Should accumulate at least 60 min | Moderate or vigorous or a combination from both. | Every day | Vigorous –intensity should be incorporated | Including those that strengthen muscle and bone at least 3 times per week. Increase physical activity for more than 60 min a day has additional health benefits. Daily physical activity should be mostly aerobic, such as walking, running, jumping, dancing. | It can consist of several session throughout the day (e.g. two runs of 30 min) | ||
Netherlands | The Health Council Netherlands | 2017 | 4–18 years | At least 60 min | Moderate to vigorous | Moderate intensity: every day | Heavy intensity: at least 3 times per week | Include activities that strengthen muscle and bone at least 3 times per week. | Avoid spending long periods sitting | https://www.healthcouncil.nl/documents/advisory-reports/2017/08/22/physical-activity-guidelines-2017 | |
New Zealand | Ministry of Health New Zealand | 2017 | 5–17 years | At least 60 min | Moderate or vigorous | Every day | Include vigorous activity at least 3 days a week. | Activities that strengthen muscles and bone at least 3 days a week. Include a variety of light physical activity for several hours a day. Get enough sleep 5–13 year olds, get 9–11 h of quality uninterrupted sleep each night. 14–17 year olds, get 8–10 h of quality uninterrupted sleep each night. Have a regular bed time and wake up time. | Don’t spend much time sitting no more than 2 h a day on recreational screen time. Sit less move more and break up sitting. | ||
The Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR) | Nordic Council of Ministers | 2012 | Children and adolescents (age not specified) | At least 60 min | Moderate to vigorous | Every day | Vigorous activity should be incorporated at least 3 times per week. | Incorporate activities that strengthen muscle and bone at least 3 times/week Physical activity of amounts greater than 60 mins daily will provide additional health benefits. Activities should be as diverse as possible in order to provide optimal opportunities for developing all aspects of physical fitness, including cardio-respiratory fitness, muscle strength, flexibility, speed, mobility, reaction time, and coordination. | Reduce sedentary behaviour | http://norden.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:704251/FULLTEXT01.pdf | |
Paraguay | Directorate of surveillance of non-transmissible diseases; General directorate of health surveillance | 2014 | 5–17 years | Accumulate at least 60 mins | Moderate to vigorous | Every day | Vigorous physical activity 3 times per week | Activity to strengthen muscles and bones 3 times/week. Physical activity for more than 60 mins/day brings additional benefits for health. Daily PA should be for the most part cardio-respiratory resistant (aerobic). | The period of 60 mins/day can be done in several sessions throughout the day e.g. 2 run blocks of 30 mins | http://www.vigisalud.gov.py/documentos/01_07_2016_15_47_12_Manual-de-Actividad-Fisica.pdf | |
Philippines | Philippine Department of Health | 2010 | 5–12 years and 13–20/21 years | 60 min | Physical activity broken into (Active daily tasks, Exercise dance or sports and High impact play) | Every day | 5–12 years: Include high impact unstructured play (e.g. running, jumping) 13–20 years: Include high impact unstructured play at least 20 mins of sustained MVPA (brisk walking or jogging) for a minimum of 30 mins | 5–12 years: programed PA for 20–30 min each day (sports or active games). Include high impact unstructured play (e.g. running, jumping) 13–20 years at least 40 mins of programmed PA (fitness related rhythmic or sports activities). For fitness goals you should have 20–30 min minimum for at least 3–5 times/week. At least 2–3 times a week of activities that build muscle and bone strength and flexibility such as weight bearing calisthenics and other load bearing exercises involving major muscle groups. | 13–20 years at least 20 mins of sustained MVPA continuously for a minimum of 30 mins OR accumulated bouts of 10 mins or longer | https://www.doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/publications/HBEAT58a.pdf | |
Qatar | State of Qatar National Physical activity guidelines | 2014 | 5–11 years and 12–17 years | At least 60 min | Moderate to vigorous | Every day | Vigorous activity at least 3 times/week | Strength training at least 3 times per week | Reduce sitting time. Reduce time spent in front of electronic devices. Take an activity break every hour of sitting Reduce sitting time. Limit screen time to less than 2 h. Take an activity break every hour of sitting | https://www.namat.qa/NamatImages/Publications/75/QATAR%20PA%20GUIDLINE%20ENGLISH.PDF | |
Singapore | Singapore Health Promotion board | 2011 | 7–18 years | 60 min | MVPA | Everyday | Incorporate vigorous intensity physical activity on at least 3 times per week as part of the 60 min | Incorporate physical activity that strengthen muscle and bones at least 3 times per week as part of the 60 min | Limit total sedentary entertainment screen time (e.g. TV & video games) to < 2 h/day. Break up sedentary period (except time spent sleeping) lasting longer than 90 mins with 5–10 min of standing, moving around, active play or doing some PA | https://www.academia.edu/10443994/National_Physical_Activity_Guidelines_for_Children_and_Youth | |
South Africa | Department of Health Republic of South Africa | 2013 | 5–17 years | At least 60 min | MVPA | Every day | Activities that strengthen the muscles and bones of children should be performed three times a week | ||||
Spain | Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality | 2015 | 5–17 years | At least 60 min | Moderate to vigorous | Every day | Include at least 3 days/week vigorous activities | Include at least 3 days/week activities that strengthen muscle and improve bone mass. Muscle strengthening and bone mass improvement activities that include large muscle groups. Moderate/vigorous intensity aerobic activity. Encourage active transport and outdoor activities | Reduce prolonged sedentary periods. Limit screen time to a maximum of 2 h a day. | ||
Switzerland | Federal Office of Sport & Federal Office of Public Health | 2012 | School age children and adolescents | At least 60 min | Moderate to vigorous | Everyday | Undertake a varied range of physical activities and sports: • Build strong bones through weight-bearing and strength-building activities • Stimulate the cardiovascular system • Strengthen muscles • Improve agility (coordination) • Maintain flexibility | Avoid long periods of inactivity | |||
Turkey | Republic of Turkey; Ministry of Health- Public Health Institution | 2014 | 5–17 years | 60 min | MVPA | Every day | Vigorous intensity at least 3 times/week | Activity for more than 60 mins provides extra benefits. Endurance activities (strengthening) are recommended. Shorter activities provide benefits for inactive children. Adolescents aged 12–18 years accumulate 60 min of MVPA; should include VPA 3 times per week and muscle and bone strengthening activities 3 days per week. A well planned PA program should include 4 activities: endurance (aerobic), muscle and bone strengthening, weight lifting, balance and stretching activities. | Activities can be performed in multiple shorter periods spread throughout the day. | Not recommended for children to stay sedentary for a long period of time. | http://beslenme.gov.tr/content/files/basin_materyal/Fiziksel_aktivite_rehberi/ingilizce.pdf page 9 |
United Kingdom (UK) | Department of Health and Social Care UK | July 2011 | 5–18 years | At least 60 min and up to several hours | Moderate to vigorous | Every day | Vigorous intensity physical activity should be incorporated at least 3 days/week | Activity that strengthens muscle and bone, should be incorporated at least 3 days/week | All children should minimise the amount of time spent being sedentary for extended periods | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-physical-activity-guidelines | |
United States (USA) | U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) | 2018 | 6–17 years | 60 min or more | Moderate to vigorous activity | Every day | Vigorous intensity at least 3 days of the week | As part of the 60 min or more of daily physical activity, children and adolescents should include muscle strengthening physical activity on 3 days a week. As part of the 60 min or more of daily physical activity, children and adolescents should include bone-strengthening physical activity on at least 3 days a week. | https://health.gov/paguidelines/second-edition/pdf/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf (page 46) | ||
Uruguay | Ministry of Public Health & National Secretariat of Sport Ministry of Health | Unknown (note document cites a reference from 2016) | 5 years to pre-pubertal and Adolescents | At least 60 min/day | Moderate to vigorous | Every day | Include exercises that help strengthen muscle and bones Incorporate strength exercises at least twice a week | Decrease the times of sitting, especially in front of the screens or cell phones and televisions. | https://www.gub.uy/ministerio-salud-publica/comunicacion/publicaciones/guia-actividad-fisica | ||
World Health Organisation (WHO) | WHO | 2010 | 5–17 years | At least 60 min | Moderate to vigorous | Every day | Vigorous –intensity should be incorporated at least 3 times per week. | Amounts of physical activity > 60 min provide additional health benefits. Most daily physical activity should be aerobic. Including those that strengthen muscle and bone at least 3 times per week. | http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/publications/9789241599979/en/ | ||