Table 2

National PA recommendations for children and adolescents in comparison with WHO recommendations

CountryAge group (years)Minimum duration, intensity and frequency of PAAdditional aspectsReducing sitting/inactivity
Same as WHODifferences to WHOSame as WHODifferences to WHO
WHO5–17At least 60 min of moderate-intensity to vigorous-intensity PA daily. PA beyond minimum duration has additional health benefits.Most of the daily PA should be aerobic. Vigorous-intensity activities should be incorporated, including those that strengthen muscle and bone, at least three times per week.
Austrian/s√ √Additional activities to improve coordination and flexibility are recommended.√
Belgium (Flanders)<1 As much as possible, daily. Give children freedom of movement in accordance with their physical abilities in a safe environment.√
1–5 At least 180 min/day, any type of intensity. It is important for toddlers and preschoolers to encourage a variety of exercise activities, which are enjoyable and tailored to their age .√
6–17√Minimum bouts – at least 10 min.√ √
Belgium
(Wallonia)		n/s√  n/s
Croatian/s√  n/s
Denmark<1 As much as possible, daily. Maximise floor-based tummy time for infants when they are awake. Ensure that infants are physically active in various ways during the day. Ensure that infants can move freely as much as possible.
1–4 As much as possible, daily. Ensure that children are physically active in various ways during the day. Ensure that children can move freely as much as possible.√
5–17√Minimum bouts – at least 10 min.√Vigorous-intensity activities that strengthen muscle and bone should last at least 30 min. Additional activities to improve flexibility are recommended.
Estonian/s√ √ √
Finland<8 At least 180 min/day
2 hours of activities with different levels of intensity and 1 hour of vigorous PA.		 Daily outdoor play should be ensured.√
7–12 At least 1.5–2 hours/day
Minimum bouts – at least 10 min.		√Vigorous-intensity PA should be performed daily.√
13–18 At least 1–1.5 hours/day
Minimum bouts – at least 10 min.		√Vigorous-intensity PA should be performed daily.√
France<5 At least 180 min/day
or 15 min/hour.		 PA should include various motor activities based on the development of basic motor skills. The playfulness of the proposed activities should be a priority.√
6–11√Minimum bouts – at least 5 min.√Activities that strengthen muscle and bone should last at least 20 min (non-consecutive days).√
12–17√  Activities that strengthen muscle and bone should last at least 20 min (non-consecutive days).√
Germany<3 As much as possible, daily. A safe environment must be ensured.√
4–6 At least 180 min/day. n/s√
6–11 At least 90 min/day, moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA. The large muscle groups should be subject to higher intensity loading on 2–3 days a week in order to improve strength and endurance, taking into account respective developmental stages.√
12–18 At least 90 min/day, moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA. n/s√
Greece3–6√  Encourage a variety of activities throughout the week. These activities should be both enjoyable and safe.√
7–18√  n/s√
Ireland2–18√ √ 
Italy5–17√  n/s√
Latvia<1 As much as possible, daily. Encourage children to be active, developing their muscles and motor skills.
1–5 At least 180 min/day. n/s√
5–12√ √ √
12–18√ √Activities that strengthen muscle and bone should last at least 20 min.
Lithuania6–17√  Vigorous-intensity PA should be performed at least two times/week.√
Luxembourg5–17√ √ 
Malta5–17√  n/s
The Netherlands4–18√ √ √
Slovakia5–17√  n/s
Slovenia5–17√ √ 
SpainNot able to walk Promote PA several times a day. PA in safe environments, particularly through ground games or supervised activities in the water (swimming pools or bath time at home)√
<5, able to walk At least 180 min/day, all levels of intensity Carry out activities and games that develop basic motor skills in different environments (at home, in the park, in the swimming pool and so on).√
5–17√ √ √
Sweden5–17√ √ 
UK<5 At least 180 min/day PA should be encouraged from birth, particularly through floor-based play and water-based activities in safe environments.√
5–18√ √ √

  • n/s, not specified; PA, physical activity.