WHO INFORMATION SERIES ON SCHOOL HEALTH ... - PAHO/WHO

1. INTRODUCTION
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Promoting Physical Activity in Schools
This document introduces school-based strategies of health promotion to foster physical activity. While the
concepts introduced in this document apply to all countries, some of the provided examples and strategies
might be more relevant to certain countries than to others. It is also recognised that environmental conditions,
such as technical and societal issues in the school, community and family, might not be ideal and affect the
extent to which physical activity interventions can be implemented. However, a Health-Promoting School
strives to improve those conditions and fosters interventions related to physical activity even in less than
ideal situations.
There are numerous physical, psychological and social benefits of physical activity for children. A physically
active childhood fosters healthy growth and development (bone health), the maintenance of energy balance
(weight control), as well as psychological well-being (self esteem, positive body image) and social interaction (1).
Physical inactivity, however, leads to the development of health risk factors. Obesity is perhaps the most visible
sign of physical inactivity and results out of an imbalance between energy expenditure and energy intake.
It has become an increasingly global problem as people in both developed and developing countries suffer
from this new ‘epidemic’ (2-6). Other risk factors associated with physical inactivity in young people include
raised blood pressure, impaired blood chemical profile, and low bone mineral density which can later lead to
chronic diseases such as coronary heart diseases, diabetes type II, and osteoporosis (1). Considering these
possible consequences, public health officials are becoming increasingly concerned that young people in
both developed and developing countries are becoming increasingly inactive (5).
Much of a nation’s future depends upon the status of its children. Healthy children are the foundation for a
healthy nation. Many leaders around the world — presidents, prime ministers, health ministers — have designated
schools as an important setting in which children should develop behaviour and skills for physical,
emotional and social well-being. Other than the family, no social institution has greater influence on the lives
of children than schools. Every day millions of children and young people around the world go to school
and spend a considerable amount of time interacting with their peers, other students and teachers gaining
knowledge, building attitudes and skills, and developing behaviours. Many behavioural patterns developed
during childhood and adolescence are retained into adulthood (7). Schools, therefore, play a crucial role in
building healthier nations around the world.
WHO Information Series on School Health