Developing Physically Active and Sporty Kids - Benefits and Barriers
Top Contributors - Jess Bell, Wanda van Niekerk, Aminat Abolade, Kim Jackson, Naomi O'Reilly, Tarina van der Stockt, Cindy John-Chu, Olajumoke Ogunleye and Ewa Jaraczewska
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Physical activity is distinct from exercise. Physical activity refers to any movement, such as walking, cycling, wheeling, sports, active recreation and play. It can be enjoyed by individuals of any skill level.[1]
Exercise is a specific subcategory of physical activity. It is planned, structured, repetitive and purposeful, and it ultimately aims to improve or maintain physical fitness.[2]
Physical activity improves children’s health and reduces risk factors for poor health.[3]
Obesity[edit | edit source]
Since 1997, the World Health Organization (WHO) has considered obesity a major public health problem and a global epidemic.[4] The prevalence of obesity has increased significantly over the last 40 years and it is predicted that, if this trend continues, the majority of adults will be overweight or obese by 2030.[4]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ World Health Organization. Physical activity. Available from: https://www.who.int/health-topics/physical-activity (accessed 4 October 2021).
- ↑ Caspersen CJ, Powell KE, Christenson GM. Physical activity, exercise, and physical fitness: definitions and distinctions for health-related research. Public Health Rep. 1985;100(2):126-31.
- ↑ Prowse T. Developing Fit and Sporty Kids - Physical Activity, Obesity, Cognition and Motor Ability Course. Physioplus, 2021.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Haththotuwa RN, Wijeyaratne CN, Senarath U, Chapter 1 - Worldwide epidemic of obesity. In: Mahmood TA, Arulkumaran S, Chervenak FA editors. Obesity and Obstetrics (Second Edition). Elsevier, 2020. p3-8.
