Disability
Disabled children should exercise for 20 minutes a day, first UK guidelines say
Chief medical officers’ recommendations also include strength and balance activities three times a week
The guidelines do not break down recommendations by different impairment groups, but say it is important for people to find what works for them. Photograph: kali9/Getty Images
The guidelines do not break down recommendations by different impairment groups, but say it is important for people to find what works for them. Photograph: kali9/Getty Images
Nicola Davis Science correspondent
@NicolaKSDavis
Tue 15 Feb 2022 19.01 EST
Last modified on Wed 16 Feb 2022 08.02 EST
Disabled children and young people should get 20 minutes of exercise each day and strength and balance activity three times a week in the first ever physical activity guidelines released for them by the four chief medical officers in the UK.
The recommendations, underpinned by research from Durham University, the University of Bristol and Disability Rights UK, note that the health and wellbeing benefits include stronger muscles and improved confidence.
While chief medical officers have previously issued physical activity guidelines for UK children and young people, it is the first time such recommendations have been made for those with disabilities.