June 10, 2005
A report published in the June issue of the journal Pediatrics
evaluated evidence from more than 2,000 published articles and
abstracts on the influence of daily vigorous physical activity on
the mental health, academic achievement, injury, and musculoskeletal
health of youths 6 to 18 years of age.
The article and an
accompanying editorial conclude that a minimum of 60 minutes of
activity per day is necessary to maintain overall health, but point
out that much more research is needed on specific points, such as
the amount of physical activity needed to prevent excessive weight
gain in children and adolescents. And to achieve the recommended
daily physical activity will require "effective counseling" by
health care providers, implementation of physical education programs
in schools, and promotion of community recreational centers,
the editorial notes. Reprints of the article, "Evidence-Based
Physical Activity for School-Age Youth," are available from wcd4@cdc.gov.
Posted on
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
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