WHO Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health

While physical activity levels are decreasing around the world, chronic non-communicable diseases are strongly increasing. The health benefits of practising physical activity on a regular basis have been strongly documented. That is why - in full awareness of the burden of chronic diseases, as well as of the impact regular physical activity can have on them - the World Health Organization published a list of Recommendations on Physical Activity and Health.

The WHO Recommendations target the following age groups:

From 5-17 years old:

 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity have to be accumulated on a daily basis.
 Beyond this level, every physical activity will provide additional health benefits.
 The majority of these activities should be aerobic. In addition, vigorous activity at least 3 times per week.

From 18-64 years old:

 At least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity physical activity should be undertaken per week. Both types of activity can also be combined.
 In order to increase health benefits, physical activity could be raised to 150 minutes of vigorous intensity physical activity and 300 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity.
 Every session should last at least 10 minutes.
 Two additional days should be used for muscle-strenghtening activites.

From 65 years old and above:

 At least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity per week (or a combination of both)
 In order to increase the health benefits, the physical activity could be raised as such: 150 minutes of vigorous intensity physical activity and 300 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity.
 Every session should last at least 10 minutes,
 Persons with poor mobility should train and strengthen their balance in order to prevent falls during 3 or more days per week.
 Two additional days should be used for muscle-strenghtening activites.
 If all these recommendations are difficult to accomplish because of health conditions, people are encouraged to be as physically active as possible.

For further details, the body of the World Health Organization Recommendations is available here

For further information

Eurobarometer on Sport and Physical Activity (March 2010)

European Commission work on sport

WHO work on physical activity

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