Irish primary and secondary school students are not getting enough exercise, research says

Sophie Collins

Irish primary and secondary school students are reportedly not getting enough exercise according to the HSE

Today marks the launch of the National Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for Ireland by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Department of Health, highlighting the importance of exercise.

These guidelines bring Ireland in alignment with the recommendations set forth by the World Health Organisation (WHO) regarding exercise.

During the launch event, Professor Breda Smyth, Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health, emphasised the importance of prioritising health and well-being by increasing physical activity levels across all age groups.

She highlighted that even small increases in moderate-level exercise can lead to improved health and quality of life.

Key updates in the guidelines include the accumulation of physical activity at moderate to vigorous levels throughout the week, the replacement of sedentary time with physical activity of any intensity, and a focus on incorporating muscle-strengthening activities weekly.

Notably, this is the first time Ireland has introduced guidelines for sedentary behaviour and physical activity for very young children.

Research findings underscore the necessity of these guidelines, revealing that a significant portion of both primary and post-primary students fail to meet recommended physical activity guidelines.

Furthermore, a large proportion of adults in Ireland engage in sedentary activities for extended periods daily, while less than half meet recommended physical activity levels.

Professor Smyth emphasised the immense benefits of regular physical activity for overall health, including improved heart health, reduced risk of chronic diseases, enhanced mood, and better sleep quality.

She highlighted the association between sedentary behaviour and cardiovascular disease, cancer, and type-2 diabetes in adults, underscoring the importance of replacing sedentary time with activity, even at light intensity.

The guidelines provide specific recommendations for various age groups, ranging from infants to older adults, including those living with disabilities.

For instance, infants are encouraged to engage in exercise multiple times a day through interactive play, while older adults are advised to incorporate varied multicomponent physical activities emphasising functional balance and strength training.

Limiting sedentary activity, particularly screen time, is emphasised across all age groups. Sarah O’Brien, National Lead of the HSE Healthy Eating Active Living Programme, emphasised the importance of integrating more activity into daily life, suggesting simple strategies such as walking to work, taking the stairs, and reducing screen time.

The updated guidelines, informed by extensive research, aim to support practitioners in various sectors and provide clear guidance for individuals to improve their health and well-being.

By following these recommendations, individuals can reduce the risk of disease, manage existing conditions, and enhance physical, mental, and social well-being.

The launch of the new guidelines signals a proactive step towards promoting healthier lifestyles and fostering a culture of physical activity in Ireland.

For more information on the recommendations, people are encouraged to join the conversation online using #EveryMoveCounts.

Here are their recommendations for physical activity by age group:

Infants aged less than a year should:

be physically active several times a day in a variety of ways, particularly through interactive floor-based play
not be secured for more than 1 hour at a time (e.g., prams/strollers, high chairs, or strapped on a caregiver’s back)

Children aged 1-2 years should

spend at least 3 hours in a variety of physical activities at any intensity, spread throughout the day
Not be secured for more than 1 hour at a time (e.g., prams/strollers, high chairs, or strapped on a caregiver’s back) or sit for extended periods of time

Children aged 3 – 4 years should

spend at least 3 hours in a variety of physical activities at any intensity, of which at least 1 hour is moderate-to vigorous-intensity physical activity, spread throughout the day
not be secured for more than 1 hour at a time (e.g., prams/strollers) or sit for extended periods of time.

Children and adolescents aged 5-17 years, including those living a disability should

do at least an average of 1 hour per day of moderate-to vigorous-intensity, mostly aerobic, physical activity, across the week,
additional activities that strengthen muscle and bones, should be incorporated at least 3 days a week.
for some people with certain disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy) a reduced level of physical activity may be adequate to attain significant health benefits, considering their higher energy cost of physical activity.

Adults aged 18-64 years, aged 65+ including those living with a disability

at least 2 hours and 30 minutes to 5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise; or at least 1 hour and 15 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week
additional muscle-strengthening activities at moderate or greater intensity that involve all major muscle groups are recommended on 2 or more days a week
as part of their weekly physical activity, older adults (aged 65+) and older adults living with a disability should do varied multicomponent physical activity that emphasises functional balance and strength training on 3 or more days a week, to enhance strength and capacity and to prevent falls.