Children and Physical Activity

• Approximately half of Americans ages 12 - 21 are inactive.

• Regular physical activity decreases by 20% once a child is in highschool and there is a further decrease of 7% from ages 18-21.

• Girls are at particular risk for inactivity.

• Forty percent of U. S. children 5 - 8 years old have at least one risk factor for heart disease and one in eight is considered obese.

• Research suggests that youth participation in physical activity is positively related to other health behaviors (healthy eating) and negatively related to problem behaviors (tobacco use or antisocial activity).

ORI scientists are addressing the national public health concern of physical inactivity among youth by examining physical activity patterns and influences across youth, families, and neighborhoods.

ORI’s work in this area has found that:

• Physical activity decreases significantly from ages 10-16
• Greater support from family and friends is associated with more physical activity
• Children are more apt to remain physically active if there are neighborhood recreational facilities
• Youth who take part in more physical activity smokes cigarettes less and use marijuana less over time
• Increases in physical activity over time are related to decreases in depression in the same period.

More information on ORI’s work with children and physical activity and our currently funded research in this area

Search for related publications in ORI's database
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For more resources:

The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports

American Alliance for Health Physical Education Recreation and Dance

• Pick fun activities the family can do together

• Let your child help choose the activity

• Vary activities and try new things

• Include the child’s friends

• Be active yourself – be a good role model!