Guidelines to support disabled children to be more active

The UK Chief Medical Officers have published new guidelines stating that disabled children and young people will be supported to be more physically active.

The guidance, which recommends daily levels of physical activity, will support disabled children and young people to improve their physical and mental health throughout their lives.

The evidence found physical activity can be equally beneficial for disabled children and young people as non-disabled children, tackling misinformation about the risk.

The document recommends that disabled children and young people undertake 120 to 180 minutes of aerobic physical activity per week at a moderate-to-vigorous intensity, as well as complete challenging, but manageable, strength and balance activities three times per week which are particularly beneficial for muscle strength and motor skills.

In a joint statement, the UK Chief Medical Officers said: “We are delighted to present this report and infographic which are an important step forward in addressing the gap in physical activity guidelines for disabled children and disabled young people. We encourage schools, parents, carers and healthcare professionals to communicate and promote these guidelines across their wider professional networks to enable appropriate physical activity opportunities for disabled children and disabled young people in their communities.”