Increasing Physical Activity
Studies show that regular physical activity reduces the risk for depression, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, stroke, and certain kinds of cancer. Yet, the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee notes that data from various national surveillance programs consistently show most adults and youth in the U.S. do not meet current physical activity recommendations, e.g., 45% to 50% of adults and 35.8% of high school students say they get the recommended amounts of moderate to vigorous physical activity.
How much physical activity is enough to impact health? The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans provides science-based recommendations for population subgroups, including:
- Children and adolescents (age 6-17)
- Adults (age 18-64)
- Older adults (age 65 and older)
- People with disabilities
Community Guide Systematic Reviews
The Community Guide includes systematic reviews of interventions in the following areas: