Gender and age differences in relation to the recommendations of physical activity among Norwegian children and youth

Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2003 Oct;13(5):293-8. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0838.2003.00337.x.

Abstract

The Norwegian physical activity recommendations for children and youth state that there should be a minimum of 60 min of physical activity of at least moderate intensity every day. The purpose of this study was to evaluate objectively the level of physical activity in a representative cohort of urban children and youth in Norway with regard to these recommendations. Four hundred and ten 9-year-old and 350 15-year-old boys and girls from the Oslo region participated. Physical activity was registered for 4 consecutive days using the Computer Science and Application activity monitor. The results showed that 86.2% of the 9-year-olds and 55.4% of the 15-year-olds met the recommendations. Furthermore, the activity level was significantly (P< 0.0001) higher among boys than girls of both age groups and significantly (P<0.001) lower in the oldest cohort than in the youngest one. All participants were less active during the weekend than during the weekdays (P< 0.05). In conclusion, a number of urban children and youth do not fulfill the Norwegian physical activity recommendations, especially among the 15-year-olds. It is therefore important to provide action towards those children and youth who are least physically active and simultaneously prevent the general decline in physical activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anthropometry
  • Child
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Guidelines as Topic
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motor Activity / physiology*
  • Norway
  • Urban Population