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Sedentary lifestyles - OCRPhysical activity levels

Many people in our society lead inactive lifestyles due to passive job roles, leisure activities and, sometimes, a lack of opportunity. Sedentary lifestyles can cause poor health.

Part of Physical EducationHealth, fitness and well-being

Physical activity levels - moderate and vigorous intensity

In the UK, the four home countries' chief medical officers have issued guidelines for how much physical activity people should do. This is a simplified version.

Age groupAmountIntensityExamples
InfantsNot specifiedAny intensityFloor-based play, water-based play, crawling
Under 5s - walkingAt least 180 minutes spread across the dayLight or energeticWalking, skipping, climbing, chasing
5-18 yearsAt least 60 minutes per dayModerate to vigorousRunning, dancing, cycling, swimming, active games
19-64 yearsAt least 150 minutes per week, eg 5 × 30 minutesModerate to vigorousBrisk walking, cycling, swimming, gardening
Over 65sAt least 150 minutes per week, eg 5 × 30 minutesModerate to vigorousBrisk walking, dancing, climbing stairs, tai chi
Age groupInfants
AmountNot specified
IntensityAny intensity
ExamplesFloor-based play, water-based play, crawling
Age groupUnder 5s - walking
AmountAt least 180 minutes spread across the day
IntensityLight or energetic
ExamplesWalking, skipping, climbing, chasing
Age group5-18 years
AmountAt least 60 minutes per day
IntensityModerate to vigorous
ExamplesRunning, dancing, cycling, swimming, active games
Age group19-64 years
AmountAt least 150 minutes per week, eg 5 × 30 minutes
IntensityModerate to vigorous
ExamplesBrisk walking, cycling, swimming, gardening
Age groupOver 65s
AmountAt least 150 minutes per week, eg 5 × 30 minutes
IntensityModerate to vigorous
ExamplesBrisk walking, dancing, climbing stairs, tai chi
Movement and energy expenditure continuum
Movement and energy expenditure continuum, from Physiological and Health Implications of a Sedentary Lifestyle, Tremblay 2010

Moderate intensity activity – makes someone breathe harder, feel warmer and their heart beat more rapidly but they should still be able to hold a conversation.

Vigorous intensity activity – makes them breathe much harder, feel hotter and their heart beat much more rapidly so they will find it more difficult to hold a conversation.

This will depend on the individual's current level of fitness as well as the type and duration of physical activity. Any physical activity is better than none.

Question

Does walking, cycling or scooting to school count towards a child's daily physical activity target?

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Sedentary lifestyles

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