AAP Releases New Physical Activity Recommendations
The American Academy of Pediatrics has released new recommendations for the promotion of physical activity in the clinical setting.
“Despite the importance in children’s lives, pediatricians are unfamiliar with assessment and guidance regarding physical activity in children,” the authors wrote.
“With the release of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines by the US Department of Health and Human Services, pediatricians play a critical role in encouraging physical activity in children through assessing physical activity and physical literacy…”
Among the recommendations:
- Pediatricians should assess and document motor skills and physical activity as appropriate during health care visits.
- For children with special health care needs, pediatricians should discuss physical activity with subspecialists who also care for the patient and clearly document activity prescription so other providers can help to implement it.
- Discuss the benefits of physical activity on physical and social growth, mental health, school performance, and behavior.
- Encourage parents and caregivers to also participate in physical activity as a model for their children.
- Assist in the overcoming of barriers to physical activity by providing tools and resources to help to build skills.
- Identify opportunities to assess physical activity in children who face barriers to activity, including those living in urban and rural areas, adolescent girls, and those with special health care needs.
- Advocate for the inclusion of physical activity assessment within electronic health records.
- Help to develop curricula in exercise prescription.
—Michael Potts
Reference:
Lobelo F, Muth ND, Hanson S, et al; Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness And Section On Obesity. Physical activity assessment and counseling in pediatric clinical settings [published online February 24, 2020]. Pediatrics. doi: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2019-3992