Steps and Strides: Understanding Children's Daily Activity at School
Children take thousands of steps in the hustle and bustle of a school day, from rushing to class to playing at play-times. But how does this daily movement stack up against recommended activity levels, and what does it mean for their health and well-being?
The Importance of Monitoring Daily Steps
Global public health guidelines emphasize the importance of physical activity for children (typically aged 6-11) and adolescents (12-19). These guidelines often focus on activity frequency, duration, and intensity. However, tracking the number of steps taken daily has become a reliable and straightforward way to measure how much children move. Devices like pedometers and accelerometers can offer valuable insights into daily physical activity by counting steps, making it easier to understand whether children are meeting the recommended levels of movement.
What the Numbers Say
Research shows that children and adolescents' daily step counts vary widely:
Children: Boys typically average between 12,000 to 16,000 steps daily, while girls range from 10,000 to 13,000.
Adolescents: As they age, the number of steps tends to decrease, with 18-year-olds averaging around 8,000 to 9,000 steps daily.
These numbers highlight a trend: children tend to be more active than adolescents, with activity levels generally declining as they approach adulthood. Additionally, studies suggest that to meet the recommended 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) each day, children might need to take between 10,000 to 14,000 steps.
The School Day Snapshot
Researchers have strapped activity trackers on students across different age groups to understand better how active kids are during the school day. The results were eye-opening:
Short Bursts of Activity: Kids often move in short, energetic bursts, especially during lunchtimes or physical education classes. These brief moments of activity are crucial in helping them reach their daily step goals.
Gender Differences: Boys tend to log more steps than girls, a pattern observed across various studies.
Weekday vs. Weekend: Children generally take more steps on weekdays, thanks to structured school activities, compared to weekends, when screen time often takes precedence.
Balancing Activity and Rest
While children need to stay active, there’s a delicate balance to strike. Some children struggle to meet daily activity guidelines, while others, who might exceed them, are at risk of injury and pain due to overloading. This imbalance can lead to musculoskeletal issues, particularly if they are not receiving appropriate guidance and care.
The Role of Nurture Paediatric Physio
At Nurture Paediatric Physio, we focus on helping children achieve optimal health through balanced physical activity. It’s not just about hitting a step count; it’s about ensuring those steps contribute to overall well-being. We emphasise injury prevention, proper loading, and recovery to keep children healthy and active without the risk of overuse injuries. We monitor loading for children and encourage consideration of changes in loading patterns after school holidays where we see a spike in loading-related injuries.
Conclusion
Understanding how many steps children take daily at school is just one piece of the puzzle in promoting their health. By monitoring daily activity and encouraging balanced movement, we can help children enjoy the benefits of physical activity while minimizing the risks. At Nurture Paediatric Physio, we’re committed to supporting children in their journey to a healthy, active lifestyle, ensuring they’re not just meeting guidelines but thriving.