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Kids Who Play Sports May Still Not Be Getting Enough Exercise
Aired 12/7/10
New research from San Diego State University shows kids who are involved in organized sports may not be getting enough physical activity. The study looked at young girls and boys who play soccer, baseball and softball.
SAN DIEGO — New research from San Diego State University shows kids who are involved in organized sports may not be getting enough physical activity. The study looked at young girls and boys who play soccer, baseball and softball.
Researchers put electronic pedometers on kids ages 7-14 during baseball, softball, and soccer practice.
On average, players spent about 45 minutes per practice in moderate or vigorous activity. That falls 15 minutes short of the national daily physical activity guidelines.
Lead researcher Jim Sallis said he found something else that surprised him.
"Kids were still, either sitting or standing, for 30 minutes out of the average practice," he said. "And probably what that is is a lot of standing in line to try to hit the ball or kick the ball or catch the ball."
Sallis concedes kids involved in sports are getting some exercise. But he said his study shows practices should be more rigorous.
"When the kids are getting instruction, they could be stretching, they could be walking in place, they could be burning calories," Sallis argued.
An estimated 44 million American kids play organized sports.
Comments
bobrzut | December 7, 2010 at 12:41 p.m. ― 2 years, 5 months ago
"They could be walking in place" or...they could be walking to school.
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