Growing Amount Of Research Focusing On Importance Of Getting Opportunities To Exercise At School

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- There is a growing amount of research focusing on the importance of getting opportunities to exercise at school.

Whether through gym class or after school activities, the need for exercise is extremely important.

A study by researchers in Kansas City has several conclusions. First, kids don't spend a great deal of time exercising at school. Researchers were surprised to find that kids spent only 4.8 percent of their time at school physically active. They say this is unacceptable and exercise opportunities need to be increased.

In addition to helping to prevent obesity and chronic diseases, physical activity has benefits for bone health, brain development, academic achievement, on-task behavior and mental health.

In communities where it is safe and age appropriate, the study also found that walking to school added an extra 15 to 20 minutes of overall physical activity to children's days. Just twenty five years ago, forty percent of children walked to school. That percent has decreased to fifteen percent.