
Canada’s First Ever 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults Help Make the Whole Day Matter
TORONTO, ON, October 15, 2020 / CNW / – The first ever 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults show Canadians what a healthy 24 hours looks like when it comes to physical activity, sedentary behaviours and sleep, featuring recommendations for those 18-64 and 65 and older.[i],[ii] With COVID-19 posing many challenges to our overall physical and mental health, having clear evidence – informed movement benchmarks that can lead to health benefits is more important than ever.
The Guidelines are unique because it is the first time there are recommendations that integrate the three movement behaviours (physical activity, sedentary and sleep behaviours) for these age groups, rather than view them in silos. They also feature new recommendations on light physical activity including standing. They were developed by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP), the Public Health Agency of Canada, Queen’s University, ParticipACTION, and a network of researchers and stakeholders from across Canada.
Even before COVID-19, Canadian adults received a grade of “D” for overall physical activity according to the ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Adults, and Canadians are now finding it harder than ever to stay active.[iii] The Report Card also showed 29 per cent of adults in Canada fall within the “low active” lifestyle category and adults 18 to 79 years old are sedentary for almost 10 hours per day.iii
Adults following the guidelines can achieve health benefits including a lower risk of death, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, weight gain, several cancers, and improved bone health. Specific to psychosocial health, participation in optimal levels of movement behaviours has been linked to improved anxiety, depression, dementia, cognition and quality of life.i,ii For adults 65+, they can also see a lower risk of falls and fall-related injuries.ii
The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines focus on three core recommendations for adults, listed below. It is important to note that all types of movement matter, and a balance is required for best health.
Replacing sedentary behaviour with additional physical activity and trading light physical activity for more moderate to vigorous physical activity, while preserving sufficient sleep, can provide greater health benefits
To learn more about the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults, visit csepguidelines.ca. For ideas and resources on how to get more active, visit ParticipACTION.com and download the ParticipACTION app.
About the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology
The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) is the resource for translating advances in exercise science research into the promotion of fitness, performance, and health outcomes for Canadians. CSEP set the highest standard for qualified exercise professionals through evidence-based practice and certification. CSEP is the GOLD STANDARD of health and fitness professionals dedicated to getting Canadians active safely by providing the highest quality customized and specialized physical activity and fitness programs, guidance and advice based on extensive training and evidence-based research. For more information, please visit www.csep.ca.
About ParticipACTION
ParticipACTION is a national non-profit organization that helps Canadians move more. Originally established in 1971, ParticipACTION works with its partners, which include sport, physical activity and recreation organizations as well as governments and corporate sponsors, to make physical activity a vital part of everyday life. For more information, please visit www.ParticipACTION.com.
For further information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Emilia Rojas, Proof Strategies Inc., erojas@getproof.com. [i] CSEP. Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults aged 18-64 years: An Integration of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Sleep. (2020). [ii] CSEP. Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults aged 65 years or older: An Integration of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Sleep. (2020). [iii] ParticipACTION. Report Card on Physical Activity for Adults. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.participaction.com/en-ca/resources/adult-report-card