Results Physical activity was associated with numerous health benefits .
The dose-response relations observed in observational studies indicate that the more physical activity , the greater the health benefit .
Results from experimental studies indicate that even modest amounts of physical activity can have health benefits in high-risk youngsters ( e.g. , obese ) .
Vigorous intensity activities may provide even greater benefit .
Aerobic-based activities had the greatest health benefit , other than for bone health , in which case high-impact weight bearing activities were required .
Some of the health benefits can be achieved through an average of 30 minutes per day . [
Level 2 , Grade A ] .
Background The purpose was to : 1 ) perform a systematic review of studies examining the relation between physical activity , fitness , and health in school-aged children and youth , and 2 ) make recommendations based on the findings .
Effect of 4 weeks of Pilates on the body composition of young girls.
BACKGROUND There is a need to find ways to increase the physical activity levels and improve the body composition and blood pressure of girls . METHODS Thirty 11-year-old girls were recruited from two after school programs in Houston Texas in Spring 2005 . Participants from one program ( 16 ) were r and omly assigned to intervention , the other ( 14 ) served as controls .  BMI , BMI percentile , waist circumference and blood pressure were assessed before and after the intervention . Pilates classes were provided free of charge for an hour per day at the intervention site , 5 days a week , for 4 weeks . Four participants wore  heart rate monitors  during every session and completed enjoyment and perceived exertion question naires . Repeated measures analysis of variance with time ( within ) and group ( between ) as factors was performed . RESULTS Mean attendance was 75 % , mean heart rate 104 bpm , mean perceived exertion 5.9 ( 1 - 10 scale ) and enjoyment 4.4 ( 1 - 5 scale ) . There was a significant ( P = 0.039 ) time by group interaction for BMI percentile . Graphs indicated that this difference was influenced by large reductions in the BMI percentile of healthy girls . CONCLUSIONS Girls enjoyed Pilates , and participation for 4 weeks lowered BMI percentile .  Pilates holds promise as a means of reducing obesity
Results Physical activity was associated with numerous health benefits .
The dose-response relations observed in observational studies indicate that the more physical activity , the greater the health benefit .
Results from experimental studies indicate that even modest amounts of physical activity can have health benefits in high-risk youngsters ( e.g. , obese ) .
Vigorous intensity activities may provide even greater benefit .
Aerobic-based activities had the greatest health benefit , other than for bone health , in which case high-impact weight bearing activities were required .
Some of the health benefits can be achieved through an average of 30 minutes per day . [
Level 2 , Grade A ] .
Background The purpose was to : 1 ) perform a systematic review of studies examining the relation between physical activity , fitness , and health in school-aged children and youth , and 2 ) make recommendations based on the findings .