2020 WHO Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour for Children and Adolescents Aged 5–17 Years: Summary of the Evidence

Purpose

To summarize the evidence on the associations between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and health-related outcomes that informed the 2020 WHO guidelines for children and adolescents.

Materials

• The guideline development process involved systematic reviews of existing literature, including updates from the 2016 Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, the 2019 Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines, and the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
• Systematic reviews published between 2017 and July 2019 were identified and assessed.
• The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework was used to rate the certainty of the evidence.

Results

• Greater amounts and higher intensities of physical activity are associated with improved health outcomes, including enhanced cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, better bone health, and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Different types of physical activity, such as aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises, contribute positively to health.
• Excessive sedentary behaviour, particularly recreational screen time, is associated with negative health outcomes, including increased adiposity and poorer cardiometabolic health.
• However, there is still insufficient evidence to fully describe the dose-response relationships between physical activity or sedentary behaviour and specific health outcomes.

Conclusions

The 2020 WHO guidelines recommend that children and adolescents aged 5–17 years should:

• Engage in an average of at least 60 minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous intensity, mostly aerobic, physical activity across the week.
• Incorporate vigorous-intensity aerobic activities, as well as those that strengthen muscle and bone, at least 3 days per week.
• Limit the amount of time spent being sedentary, particularly recreational screen time.

The guidelines emphasize the need for further research to better understand the relationships between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and health outcomes in children and adolescents.

Relevance to Kinephonics

• Integration of Movement and Learning: Kinephonics aligns with the guidelines by promoting physical activity through its movement-based communication interventions, supporting the development of motor skills and cognitive functions.
• Reduction of Sedentary Behaviour: By engaging users in active tasks, Kinephonics helps reduce sedentary time, particularly recreational screen time, aligning with WHO recommendations.
• Support for Diverse Populations: Kinephonics provides accessible tools for children with varying abilities, supporting inclusive participation in physical activity and communication development.
• Data-Driven Insights: The platform’s ability to track and quantify physical activity and engagement offers valuable data to inform personalized interventions and monitor progress over time.