Physical Activity in Young People

Welcome to Physical Activity Content Development Project. This page is being developed by participants of a project to populate the Physical Activity section of Physiopedia. 

• Please do not edit unless you are involved in this project, but please come back in the near future to check out new information!!  
• If you would like to get involved in this project and earn accreditation for your contributions, please get in touch

Original Editor - Michelle Warren

Top Contributors - Wendy Walker, Shaimaa Eldib, Blaithin Hadjisophocleous, Kim Jackson, Lucinda hampton, Mariam Hashem, Tarina van der Stockt, Simisola Ajeyalemi, Oyemi Sillo, Michelle Lee, Rucha Gadgil and Admin  

Introduction

It is well understood that physical activity can provide many health benefits to those who partake, and that physical inactivity can have detrimental outcomes on our health. Questions still abound about what qualifies as suitable physical activity, and how much should each child do? Sometimes we have good intentions, but find barriers.

Definitions

• Physical activity: any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure.
• Infant: newborn to 1 year old child
• Toddler: 1-2 years old child
• Preschooler: 3-4 years old child
• Adolescent: 12-17 years old child
• Adult: 18+ years old.
• Physical literacy:  is the mastering of fundamental movement skills and fundamental sport skills that permit a child to read their environment and make appropriate decisions, allowing them to move confidently and with control in a wide range of physical activity situations.

Benefits of PA

Physical activity can provide both immediate and long-term health benefits, physically, mentally and socially. It can also foster independence and help with learning.

Some immediate benefits of exercise include: enhanced mood, aid in self-regulation, reduction of blood sugar levels, a feeling of well-being.

References

References will automatically be added here, see adding references tutorial.