The recommended amount of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep duration for healthy Saudis: A joint consensus statement of the Saudi Public Health Authority

Abstract

BACKGROUND:The goal of the 24-h Movement Practice Guidelines for Saudi Arabia is to provide policymakers, health-care providers, researchers, sports professionals, and members of the public with recommendations on the duration of time they should spend engaged in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep throughout all age groups.METHODS:A modified RAND appropriateness method and the “GRADE-ADOLOPMENT” approach of guideline recommendations were used by a guideline development panel to develop the present recommendations.RESULTS:The recommendations were based on the integrated needs of the following age groups: children (0–2 years), preschoolers (3–5 years), children and adolescents (6–17 years), adults (18–64 years), and older adults (≥65 years). The guidelines also include special considerations for sleep duration in the Saudi culture, such as dawn prayer and Ramadan.CONCLUSIONS:Several research gaps in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep were identified and highlighted by the guideline development panel for potential future research.