Physical activity guidelines on muscles and balance not met by over two thirds of Scots
Gym weights - credit Victor via Flickr
Recommended levels of physical activity needed to prevent health risks in later life are only being met by 31 per cent of men and 24 per cent of women, a new study has found.
Although many Scots meet requirements for aerobic exercise, activities to develop muscle, balance and coordination were less common.
Sports, dancing and gym workouts promote heart health and help develop balance and coordination which can reduce the risk of falls and immobility in later life.
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Researchers from the University of Edinburgh analysed data from the Scottish Health Survey and also found among over-65s only 19 per cent of men and 12 per cent of women meet requirements for exercise on balance and coordination.
Lead researcher Tessa Strain from the University’s Physical Activity for Health Research Centre said: “There is a gap in physical activity policy. Despite the known benefits muscle strengthening and balance and coordination are Scotland’s forgotten guidelines.
“We would like to see more effort encouraging certain activities especially among young women and older age groups. Failure to do so could have important consequences for a country such as Scotland, with its ageing demographic.”
The report was published in the journal BMC Public Health.
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