The status of the 1990 objectives for physical fitness and exercise.

During the past 5 years, considerable progress has been made in clarifying the relationship between physical activity and health and in collecting previously unavailable information about the activity levels of children and adults. Several of the objectives are likely to be achieved by 1990. Nevertheless, important questions remain to be answered, and data necessary to know the status of some objectives are not available. The established benefits of regular physical activity include a reduced risk of coronary heart disease, desirable weight control, and reduced symptoms of anxiety and mild-to-moderate depression. Other health effects appear likely, but are less firmly established. The salubrious effect of regular physical activity on reducing the risk of coronary heart disease appears to exist even at low levels of physical activity. More information is needed about the type and intensity of physical activity necessary to achieve the various health benefits ascribed to it. Although most people appear aware of the characteristics of activities likely to produce moderate to high levels of physical fitness, only 10-20 percent of the adult population participates in such activity. The number and effect of worksite physical fitness programs are too poorly documented to determine if the pertinent objectives can be achieved. Fewer than two-thirds of the number of children recommended in the objectives participate in daily physical education classes.