DCU report calls for introduction for National Guidelines for physical activity for youth
- 30 March 2007

• 60% of 15-17 year olds do not meet the current recommendations for physical activity
• Girls have lower levels of fitness than males
• Nearly 10% of 15-17 year olds have high blood pressure

At the launch of the new BSc in Physical Education with Biology, a report calling for the introduction of national guidelines for physical activity for youth was made public today. The report was carried out by Dr Catherine Woods, Dr Niall Moyna, Dr Donal O'Gorman and Ms Norah Nelson of DCU's School of Health and Human Performance.

The report also recommends that responsibility for the action plan should lie with one Government department, for example the Department of Health and Children, but would require inter-sectoral cooperation across government departments and partnerships with relevant local, national, statutory, voluntary and community agencies. Schools would be required to audit their existing physical activity provision and identify ways of supporting and enhancing this in the future. Schools should also facilitate safe and active transport opportunities for students by providing secure bike shelters, changing and shower facilities and road safety education.

The report examined levels of activity among 845 15-17 year olds and showed that 60% do not meet the current recommendations for physical activity and were classified as 'not regularly active'. Low inactivity at this age leads to greater likelihood of illnesses in later life such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, gallstones, insulin resistance and other 'avoidable' medical conditions.

Areas covered by the report include levels of physical activity, leisure habits, levels of physical fitness, blood pressure, Body Mass Index, tobacco use and alcohol consumption, body perceptions and diet patterns.

The study showed that 71% of females and 49% of males were not meeting minimum physical activity recommendations. "This statistic should not alarm us, given that it is already known that Ireland has one of the highest rates of teenage obesity in the EU", said Dr Catherine Woods. "Nevertheless, it is of concern given that we know that physical activity is so beneficial to mental and physical well-being. We were particularly alarmed that the level of inactivity is so pronounced among young females".

82% of those surveyed in the Midlands Area region travel to school by sedentary means. Less than one in five walk or cycle to school. 19% of car users travel less than one mile to school, and 17% travel less than two miles to school.

Outside of school, boys and girls spend over four hours per day pursuing sedentary leisure behaviours. Boys prefer technological sedentary activities such as video games and computers, and girls favour activities such as talking on the phone and talking with friends.

Nearly 10% were classified as having high blood pressure and almost 20% were classified as overweight or obese.

Regularly active individuals reported having facilities in their locality such as gyms, dance studios squash and tennis courts and public parks.

Girls are more likely to do aerobics, dance or walk for exercise and boys are more likely to play soccer or football. However, affordability of facilities proved to be a major factor, with dancing and aerobic exercise facilities providing to be the least affordable exercise options.

The recommendations of the report are that adolescents participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intense physical activity that is developmentally appropriate, involves a variety of activities and is enjoyable.

ENDS