The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development currently recommends that kids get at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. Physical education classes could be a good opportunity for your child to get some exercise, but how much activity do kids really get during PE class?

Researchers from the institute's Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development Network observed 814 third graders in their physical education classes in 10 cities across the United States. Trained observers recorded the children's levels of physical exertion during class. The children's teachers also reported how much time was spent in physical education classes each week.

On average, children participated in two physical education classes a week, with each class lasting about 33 minutes. Only 6% of children had daily physical education classes. For each PE class, children spent an average of about 5 minutes in very active play and about 12 minutes in moderate to vigorous play. Although boys and girls spent similar amounts of time in PE class each week, boys spent a higher proportion of class time engaged in very active and moderate to vigorous activity. The total amount of time spent in very active or moderate to vigorous activity each week was about 25 minutes.

What This Means to You

Physical education classes may supplement your child's physical activity each week, but they don't come close to providing the recommended daily 60 minutes of activity. To help your child meet the physical activity recommendations, decrease sedentary time spent in front of the television, computer, and video game console. Encourage your child to play outdoors, and plan family outings that center around physical activity.

Source: The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development Network; Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, February 2003.

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: April 2003