RQES Table of Contents
Rationale for the Essential Components of Physical Education
Shannon L. Michael, Carly Wright, Amelia Mays Woods, Hans van der Mars,
Timothy A. Brusseau, David F. Stodden, Sheri L. Burson, Jenna Fisher, Chad
M. Killian, Shannon C. Mulhearn, Danielle R. Nesbitt & Christopher D.
Pfledderer
Physical activity for children and adolescents is essential
for their health and well-being (Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention [CDC], 2011). Over the last
three decades, significant publications such as Healthy
People 2000, 2010, 2020, and 2030 (Office of Disease
Prevention and Health Promotion [ODPHP], 2014),
Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and
Health (U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services [USDHHS], 1996), Physical Activity Guidelines
for Americans (USDHHS, 2008, 2018), Guidelines for
school and community programs to promote lifelong physical activity among young people (CDC, 1997) School
Health Guidelines to Promote Healthy Eating and
Physical Activity (CDC, 2011), Global recommendations
on physical activity for health (World Health
Organization [WHO], 2010), and Educating the
Student Body: Taking Physical Activity and Physical
Education to School (Institute of Medicine [IOM],
2013) have emphasized the health benefits of physical
activity ranging from reducing the risk of several chronic
disease conditions and healthier bones and muscles to
improving social and cognitive functioning and overall
mental health. A common call to action across these
publications is to create increased opportunities for
children and adolescents to be more physically active
throughout every day.
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd
edition (Guidelines) includes recommendations for children and adolescents ages 6 through 17 years to engage
in 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical
activity (MVPA) daily (USDHHS, 2018). Despite this
guidance, less than one quarter (22%) of children and
adolescents are getting the recommended amount of
physical activity (Child and Adolescent Health
Measurement Initiative, 2019). The Guidelines also
include recommendations for providing young people
opportunities and encouragement to participate in physical activities that are appropriate for their age, are
enjoyable, and offer variety.
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