Do 9- to 12 yr-old children meet existing physical activity recommendations for health?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a sample of 9- to 12-yr-old children fulfilled existing U.S. and UK physical activity recommendations for health. METHODS: Habitual physical activity levels of 79 pre- and early pubertal children were assessed using continuous heart rate monitoring over a period of 4 d. Mean, daily, cumulative physical activity levels spent above heart rate thresholds were compared with U.S. and UK recommended values. RESULTS: In this study, when cumulative amounts of physical activity were considered, at intensities greater than 120 beats x min(-1) and 75% above resting heart rate, pre- and early pubertal British children appear to engage in sufficient physical activity to meet U.S. and UK minimum daily recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: Interpretations of children's physical activity levels depend on thresholds set for intensity of physical activity and whether cumulative or continuous bouts of activity are included in the analysis.