The majority of children between the ages of 12 and 15 years of age do not get 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise, the recommended daily amount for children their age.

 Findings

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 24.8 percent of children engage in the recommended amount of daily exercise. The results were then examined based on demographic features, which found.

• Only 27 percent of boys and 22.5 percent of girls participated in 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous daily exercise.
• 8 percent of children in this age group did not get any moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
• The most common physical activity for boys was basketball, followed by running, football, cycling, and walking.
• The most common physical activity for girls was running, followed by walking, basketball, dancing and cycling.
• Not surprisingly, heavier children were less likely to be physically active than normal-weight boys and girls.

The findings led research Tala H. Fakhouri, PhD, and colleagues to conclude, “regular physical activity among youth promotes physical and psychological health and improves some aspects of academic performance.”

Researchers said they hope their findings can help physicians stress the importance of an active lifestyle to children while their young, so they’ll continue to get regular exercise as an adult.

“Given that physical inactivity in adulthood is a modifiable risk factor for many diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, tracking the prevalence of physical activity among U.S. youth may help inform public health interventions.”

Dr. Silverman comments

It’s very important that kids learn about the importance of regular fitness at an early age. As we’ve documented, regular exercise is key to developing bone mass, and overweight children are at greater risk for suffering foot fractures. Exercise gets people in shape and helps them maintain a healthy weight.

Getting children involved in youth sports is a great way to ensure they get regular exercise, but there are other ways for children to get moving if they aren’t interested in sports. Take them hiking, or have them walk the dog every day. Any activity that gets them off the couch and outdoors will do wonders for their health. As a parent, do your part to encourage your child to go outside and get some exercise.

 

Related source: Medscape