ABSTRACT
Increasing participation in physical activity can make an important contribution to
the health and well-being of individuals, communities and society. There is a
strong and well-accepted evidence base demonstrating the key role an active
lifestyle can play in the prevention of most major diseases responsible for
premature death and disability (US DHHS, 2008; DoH, 2004). Inactivity is a central
risk factor for many of the most common chronic diseases, notably heart disease,
stroke, cancers, and type 2 diabetes. Moreover, an active lifestyle can improve
mental health, and reduce the risk of depression, prevent falls in older people,
and may enhance cognitive function and improve academic performance in
children (Kelty, Giles-Corti and Zubrick, 2008). Accumulating at least 30 minutes
of at least moderate intensity physical activity, on most days of the week, is suffi -
cient for adults to achieve benefi ts (DoH, 2004). Thus, this recommended amount
of activity forms the basis of many of the current national, regional and interna-
tional guidelines for the promotion of physical activity in the general population
(US DHHS, 1996; Haskell et al., 2007; WHO, 2004, 2006; DoH, 2004, 2009). For
children, a higher volume (60 minutes), and including some vigorous intensity
activity, is recommended (US DHHS, 2008; CDCP, 2008; DHA, 2004).
