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A Canadian peer-reviewed journal of population health and health services research

October 2017

Physical activity of Canadian children and youth, 2007 to 2015

by Rachel C. Colley, Valerie Carson, Didier Garriguet, Ian Janssen, Karen C. Roberts and Mark S. Tremblay

Physical activity is associated with a range of physical, mental, and social health benefits for children and youth. Guidelines published by the World Health Organization and by several countries recommend that children and youth accumulate a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day, and advocate engagement in vigorous-intensity physical activity, as well as muscle- and bone-strengthening activities, at least three times per week.

Abstract Full article PDF version The Daily release

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Physical activity of Canadian children and youth, 2007 to 2015

Meeting the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth

by Karen C. Roberts, Xiaoquan Yao, Valerie Carson, Jean-Philippe Chaput, Ian Janssen and Mark S. Tremblay

For children and youth, regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) has positive impacts on physical and mental health in the short- and long-term. But although MVPA tends to be the focus of attention, all movement behaviours are related to health. Notably, independent benefits of limiting sedentary time (specifically, screen time) for adiposity, fitness, self-esteem, academic performance, and pro-social behaviour have been documented. Evidence also suggests that inadequate sleep is associated with weight gain, depression, and poor academic performance.

Abstract Full article PDF version The Daily release

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Meeting the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth

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