Young people, physical activity and physical fitness: a case study of chinese and portuguese children

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and some types of cancer are increasingly significant causes of disability and premature death across many countries. In 1999 these diseases contributed to about 60% of deaths in the world and 43% of the global burden of disease. On the basis of current estimates, these deaths are expected to account for 73% of deaths and 60% of the disease burden by the year 2020 (WHO, 2002a). Regular physical activity is associated with a healthier, longer life and with a lower risk or NCDs (USDHHS, 1996). The World Health Organization's report, Diet, Physical Activity and Health, indicated that unhealthy diet and insufficient physical activity are among the major causal risk factors in NCDs (WHO, 2002b). Never before has the public been more aware of the enormous health and fitness benefits of physical activity, which have been highlighted in both the Surgeon General's report (USDHHS, 1996) and in the Healthy People 2010 study (USDHHS, 2000). The most prominent finding of the Surgeon General's report is that people of all ages can improve their quality of life through a lifelong practice of moderate physical activity. Yet, despite knowledge of these benefits, most people are still more sedentary. Worldwide, it is estimated that over 60% of adults are simply not active enough to benefit their health (WHQ, 2003). (…)