Abstract

Background: Inactivity in children and adolescents is a worldwide serious problem, and has deeply influenced them physically and mentally. Purpose : The aim of the study was: (a) to explore the recommendations and policies of physical activity (PA) for children and adolescents in different countries; (b) to understand the reaching rate of national PA recommendations for children and adolescents in different countries; (c) to propose PA recommendations for children and adolescents in Taiwan.

Methods: The Delphi method was used to obtain experts' opinion on recommendations of PA. Firstly, systemic review related to literatures, website was done, which focuses on policy implementation, current condition of PA in different countries. As offering the data to participants and carrying out two rounds Delphi reviews (n = 63, 43) and two penal discussions (n = 26, 22), the consensuses were made. Eventually, PA guideline for children and adolescents in Taiwan was established.

Results: The PA guidelines were as follows: Vigorous-intensity PA (VPA) 90 minutes per week for elementary school students, 120 minutes per week for junior high school students, 150 minutes per week for senior high school students. Moderate-intensity PA (MPA) 210 minutes per week for all kinds of students. After-school time on watching TV, playing computers and video games, and surfing on the Internet should be fewer than 2 hours per day during a week. PE course's frequency and quality were set as well. Walking to school and attending family activities are also encouraged but not enforced.

Conclusions: The PA guidelines for children and adolescents were completed. Ministry of Education of Taiwan develops a policy which increases Pepils' recommended PA quantity significantly according to the guidelines, so as to improve Pepils' physical fitness and health.

Author Details

Chiang, Chi-Chen, MS, RN; Liou, Yiing-Mei, PhD, RN

Sigma Membership

Lambda Beta at-Large

Type

Presentation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

N/A

Research Approach

N/A

Keywords:

Delphi Method, Physical Activity, Guideline

Conference Name

23rd International Nursing Research Congress

Conference Host

Sigma Theta Tau International

Conference Location

Brisbane, Australia

Conference Year

2012

Rights Holder

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Acquisition

Proxy-submission

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Evidence-based approach to establish national physical activity guidelines for children and adolescents in Taiwan

Brisbane, Australia

Background: Inactivity in children and adolescents is a worldwide serious problem, and has deeply influenced them physically and mentally. Purpose : The aim of the study was: (a) to explore the recommendations and policies of physical activity (PA) for children and adolescents in different countries; (b) to understand the reaching rate of national PA recommendations for children and adolescents in different countries; (c) to propose PA recommendations for children and adolescents in Taiwan.

Methods: The Delphi method was used to obtain experts' opinion on recommendations of PA. Firstly, systemic review related to literatures, website was done, which focuses on policy implementation, current condition of PA in different countries. As offering the data to participants and carrying out two rounds Delphi reviews (n = 63, 43) and two penal discussions (n = 26, 22), the consensuses were made. Eventually, PA guideline for children and adolescents in Taiwan was established.

Results: The PA guidelines were as follows: Vigorous-intensity PA (VPA) 90 minutes per week for elementary school students, 120 minutes per week for junior high school students, 150 minutes per week for senior high school students. Moderate-intensity PA (MPA) 210 minutes per week for all kinds of students. After-school time on watching TV, playing computers and video games, and surfing on the Internet should be fewer than 2 hours per day during a week. PE course's frequency and quality were set as well. Walking to school and attending family activities are also encouraged but not enforced.

Conclusions: The PA guidelines for children and adolescents were completed. Ministry of Education of Taiwan develops a policy which increases Pepils' recommended PA quantity significantly according to the guidelines, so as to improve Pepils' physical fitness and health.