Physical inactivity is now identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality. Physical inactivity levels are rising in many countries with major implications for the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and the general health of the population worldwide.
The significance of physical activity on public health, the global mandates for the work carried out by WHO in relation to promotion of physical activity and NCDs prevention, and the limited existence of national guidelines on physical activity for health in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) make evident the need for the development of global recommendations that address the links between the frequency, duration, intensity, type and total amount of physical activity needed for the prevention of NCDs.
The focus of the Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health is primary prevention of NCDs through physical activity at population level, and the primary target audience for these Recommendations are policy-makers at national level.
Issues not addressed in this document are clinical control and the management of disease through physical activity. Guidance on how to develop interventions and approaches to promote physical activity in population groups are similarly not addressed.
The following steps summarize the process undertaken by the WHO Secretariat in preparation of the Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health:
Review and compilation of the scientific evidence available for three age groups, for the following outcomes: cancer, cardiorespiratory, metabolic, musculoskeletal and functional health.
Setting out of a process to develop the Recommendations.
Establishment of a global guideline group with expertise both in subject matter and in policy development and implementation.
Meeting and electronic consultation of the guideline group to prepare the final draft of the
Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health.
Peer review of the Recommendations and consultation with the WHO Regional Offices.
Finalization of the Recommendations, approval by the WHO Guideline Review Committee.
Translation, publication and dissemination.
The recommendations set out in this document address three age groups: 5–17 years old; 18–64 years old; and 65 years old and above. A section focusing on each age group includes the following:
RECOMMENDED LEVELS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR HEALTH
5–17 years old
For children and young people of this age group physical activity includes play, games, sports, transportation, recreation, physical education or planned exercise, in the context of family, school, and community activities. In order to improve cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, bone health, cardiovascular and metabolic health biomarkers and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, the following are recommended:
Physical activity of amounts greater than 60 minutes daily will provide additional health benefits.
Most of daily
physical activity should be aerobic. Vigorous-
intensity activities should be incorporated, including those that strengthen muscle and bone, at least 3 times per week.
18–64 years old
For adults of this age group, physical activity includes recreational or leisure-time physical activity, transportation (e.g walking or cycling), occupational (i.e. work), household chores, play, games, sports or planned exercise, in the context of daily, family, and community activities.
In order to improve cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, bone health and reduce the risk of NCDs and depression the following are recommended:
Adults aged 18–64 years should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-
intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week,
or do at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week,
or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity.
Aerobic activity should be performed in bouts of at least 10 minutes
duration.
For additional health benefits, adults should increase their moderate-
intensity aerobic physical activity to 300 minutes per week,
or engage in 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week,
or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity.
Muscle-strengthening activities should be done involving
major muscle groups on 2 or more days a week.
65 years old and above
For adults of this age group, physical activity includes recreational or leisure-time physical activity, transportation (e.g walking or cycling), occupational (if the person is still engaged in work), household chores, play, games, sports or planned exercise, in the context of daily, family, and community activities. In order to improve cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, bone and functional health, and reduce the risk of NCDs, depression and cognitive decline, the following are recommended:
Adults aged 65 years and above should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-
intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week,
or do at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week,
or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity.
Aerobic activity should be performed in bouts of at least 10 minutes
duration.
For additional health benefits, adults aged 65 years and above should increase their moderate-
intensity aerobic physical activity to 300 minutes per week,
or engage in 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week,
or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity.
Adults of this age group with poor mobility should perform
physical activity to enhance balance and prevent falls on 3 or more days per week.
Muscle-strengthening activities should be done involving
major muscle groups, on 2 or more days a week.
When adults of this age group cannot do the recommended amounts of
physical activity due to health conditions, they should be as physically active as their abilities and conditions allow.
Overall, across all the age groups, the benefits of implementing the above recommendations, and of being physically active, outweigh the harms. At the recommended level of 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity, musculoskeletal injury rates appear to be uncommon. In a population-based approach, in order to decrease the risks of musculoskeletal injuries, it would be appropriate to encourage a moderate start with gradual progress to higher levels of physical activity.
