Vigorous Physical Activity in Youth: Just One End of the Physical Activity Spectrum for Affecting Health?

This article provides commentary on the accompanying manuscript entitled "The Case for Vigorous Physical Activity in Youth" by Owens and colleagues. A major strength of the review was its aim to determine whether vigorous physical activity provides greater benefits with respect to several health outcomes among children and youth while also considering the limitations of the current evidence in terms of number of studies and study design. This commentary presents additional topics to consider, practical applications, and conclusions and recommendations that can be drawn from the current evidence. To expand "the case for vigorous physical activity in youth," future studies should consider delineating the relative benefits of vigorous physical activity compared not only with moderate physical activity, but also with light and total activity.