The latest data on Children's Physical Activity Level

Ministers received a presentation from CFLRI which highlighted that, while improvements are being made generally in physical activity levels, there is still work to be done. Based upon the evidence we provided, Ministers remained concerned that children are not as active as they should be for optimal growth and development.
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Dr. Larry Brawley, Chair CFLRI Board of Directors at 1-306-966-1076
"Relative to Healthy Weight
The CFLRI pedometer data are compelling for a number of reasons. First, they underscore the statement from a variety of organizations concerned about physical activity and obesity -- that most children and youth are far below the desired levels of activity associated with having a healthy weight. This by itself is important. However, Canada's Physical Activity recommendations for children and youth were suggested to focus on more than weight alone.

These activity recommendations were also suggested to move children and youth toward healthy child development for both physical and mental health in areas such as healthy neuromuscular development or the healthy development of physical self-esteem. Thus, the CFLRI results also suggest that current activity levels are below the bar noted in the Guide recommendation in promoting these areas of development.

Dependence on Organized Activity??
A second important finding not to be overlooked is that for children and youth who are more active, much of their involvement is characterized by organized opportunities for activity. While this finding suggests these opportunities need to be maintained, it also underscores a disturbing trend.

For the children and youth studied, much less activity was unorganized, free play. This raises the question of whether our culture has become dependent on organized activity as a primary vehicle for children and youth to be active. The implication is that some this current generation may not know how to be sufficiently independently active. Consequently, they turn to attractive desirable sedentary pursuits for which they have sufficient knowledge and independence to interact and play (e.g., internet, television)."


Dr. Michael Sharrat, University of Waterloo at 1-519-888-4567, extension 3150.
"The CFLRI data reveal that, although Canada's Physical Activity Guides for children and youth set ambitious targets for moderate-to-vigorous daily activity, 73-91% of Canadian children and youth fall substantially short while the epidemic of childhood obesity rages out of control."

Dr. Phil Campagna, Dalhousie University at 1-902-494-1145
"There is a need for mandatory physical education at all grade levels to ensure that all boys and girls have an equal opportunity to obtain the many health benefits of physical activity".


Nancy Dubois, Co-Chair, CAL and CFLRI Board Member at 1-519-446-3636
“The Coalition for Active Living is alarmed, but not surprised, at the extremely low levels of physical activity in Canadian children and youth, as evidenced by the 2007 CFLRI Pedometer Study Data. This unacceptable trend can be reversed but it will require a coordinated, well-resourced national plan that includes federal leadership that supports provinces/territories and communities in taking comprehensive, intersectoral action. This means public education, organized physical activity and sport programs, community designs that provide access to all Canadians, supportive social environments and continued research that is shared with those making policy and program decisions. We need immediate action around the Pan-Canadian Physical Activity Strategy if our kids are to have a fair chance at healthy growth and development.”

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