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Abstract
Background: The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth: An Integration of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Sleep provide specific recommendations on the amount of time over a typical 24-hour day that children and youth aged 5 to 17 should spend in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (at least 60 minutes), recreational screen time (no more than 2 hours), and sleep (9 to 11 hours for 5- to 13-year-olds; 8 to 10 hours for 14- to 17-year-olds)
Data and methods: Based on combined results of cycles 2 (2009-to-2011) and 3 (2012-to-2013) of the Canadian Health Measures Survey, this analysis examines average daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, screen time and sleep duration of 5- to 11-year-olds and 12- to 17-year-olds, and the percentages meeting the 24-Hour Guidelines' recommendations. Findings are presented overall and by age group and sex. Differences in average daily times between groups were tested for statistical significance, as were differences between groups in the percentages meeting each recommendation and combination of recommendations.
Results: Overall, 17.5% of children and youth met the 24-Hour Guidelines' specific time recommendations. Higher percentages of children than youth (29.6% versus 5.5%) and boys than girls (22.9% versus 11.8%) met the recommendations. About a third (36.3%) met two of the three recommendations. Interpretation: Recommendations for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep have higher levels of adherence among children than youth.
Keywords: Accelerometer, exercise, motor activity, physical activity, screen time, sleep
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.1-3 But although MVPA tends to be the focus of attention, all movement behaviours are related to health.4-7 Notably, independent benefits of limiting sedentary time (specifically, screen time) for adiposity, fitness, self-esteem, academic performance, and pro-social behaviour have been documented.8-10 Evidence also suggests that inadequate sleep is associated with weight gain, depression, and poor academic performance.11-13
Research1,3,4 has highlighted the importance of an integrated approach that considers all behaviours across the movement continuum.9,14,15 The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth: An Integration of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Sleep14 were released in June 2016. These Guidelines provide general recommendations for children and youth aged 5 to 17 related to MVPA, light physical activity, sedentary behaviour and...