Endurance Handbook

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 WEB COPY ©EVEQUE WEB COPY ©EVEQUE

SECTION 1

INTRODUCTION

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