Last week, new guidelines were published for the first time ever surrounding physical activities for disabled children and young people. The aim of this is to improve physical and mental health through daily levels of physical activity. These guidelines are the first of its kind, after ongoing research at Durham University, University of Bristol, and Disabilities rights UK.

Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Chris Whitty stated:
“We are delighted to present this report and infographic which are an important step forward in addressing the gap in physical activity guidelines for disabled children and disabled young people.”

“We encourage schools, parents, carers and healthcare professionals to communicate and promote these guidelines across their wider professional networks to enable appropriate physical activity opportunities for disabled children and disabled young people in their communities.”

The new guidelines recommend disabled children and young people:

• Undertake 120-180 minutes of aerobic physical activity per week at a moderate to vigorous intensity. For example, 20 minutes of exercise per day or 40 minutes 3 times per week). Activities can include walking, cycling or swimming.
• Complete challenging, but manageable strength and balance activities which are particularly beneficial for muscle strength and motor skills. For example, indoor climbing, yoga and modified sports such as basketball or football.
• Ensure to build up exercise slowly to avoid injury
• Break down their exercise into bite-size chunks of physical activity throughout the day to make it more manageable.

Regular physical activity has both physical and mental benefits for all ages. However, children and young people with disabilities are less likely to be active than non-disabled children which can lead to health disparities which may widen as they get older. Evidence found that physical activity can be as beneficial for disabled children and young people as none disabled people.

Other benefits of physical activity for disabled children and young adults can also include improved confidence and concentration and meeting new people.

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