ABSTRACT
The scientific evidence supporting the health benefits attained from physical activity are clearly established in the adult population[1]. Less is known about that relationship in youth. Physical activity provides protection from chronic diseases and improves quality of life in adulthood, and the behaviour of being physically active seems to track from adolescents into adulthood[2]. Guideline One in the recently published physical activity guidelines for adolescents states that all adolescents should be physically active daily, or nearly every day, as part of play, games, sports, work, transportation, recreation, physical education, or planned exercise, in the context of family, school, and community activities[3]. The guideline also states that it is reasonable to recommend the same minimal amount of physical activity for adolescents as for adults [3], which is described as accumulation of 30 min of moderate (i.e. 3-6 METs) physical activity daily or nearly every day[4].
