Article

Physical activity is essential to promote children's health and well-being.
Increased sedentary behavior in children is a factor contributing to the
escalation in childhood obesity in the general population.
Clinical conditions,
particularly physical disabilities, which reduce physical activity, may also lead
to a higher risk of being overweight or obese.
This paper reviews physical
activity and sedentary behavior and illustrates how habitual (daily) physical
activity, motor performance, and the capacity to be active are distinct and
important aspects of a child's activity behavior. Positive health outcomes are
linked to achieving adequate habitual levels of physical activity. This paper
also highlights how pediatric therapists can promote health for those children
who are already overweight or obese or are at higher risk of being overweight or
obese. Physical and occupational therapists are encouraged to embrace a broad
perspective of physical activity and extend children's therapeutic and
health-promotion programs to include assessment of habitual level of physical
activity and sedentary behavior, and promotion of recommended levels of daily
physical activity. This role can also be extended beyond the area of disability.

Langue : ANGLAIS