Updating The Physical Activity Guidelines For Americans

Abstract

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) expects to issue a second edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (PAG) in 2018 to provide updated evidence-based guidance on the types and amounts of physical activity that offer substantial health benefits. PURPOSE: To present the topics, priority questions, and research-related issues being reviewed by the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee (PAGAC) and to show how selected topics have evolved since 2008. METHODS: Seventeen nationally recognized experts were asked to review the current evidence regarding physical activity and health and provide a summary of their findings to the federal government to inform the update of the PAG. In July 2016, the PAGAC formed nine subcommittees corresponding to key topic areas to review in this process. The PAGAC has identified key research questions to be addressed through systematic reviews and will evaluate the evidence, ultimately submitting a Scientific Advisory Report to HHS. RESULTS: The subcommittees include: Aging, Brain Health, Cancer, Cardiometabolic Health and Weight Management, Exposure, Individuals with Chronic Conditions, Promotion of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Youth. Similar to the 2008 PAGAC, some subcommittees will address specific health outcomes (e.g., What is the relationship between physical activity and cancer incidence?) or populations (e.g., What is the relationship between health indicators and physical activity for children younger than six years old?). Other subcommittees will explore the health impact of differing exposures such as sedentary behavior or higher intensities of physical activity. Across the topic areas the PAGAC has identified several research-related issues that require particular attention (e.g., reconciling self-report and device-measured physical activity data). CONCLUSION: The PAGAC is charged with reviewing the available scientific evidence, considering public comments, and ultimately submitting a comprehensive scientific report to HHS. While clear topics and questions have been established, key research issues will need to be addressed during this process in order to produce a report that best informs public health guidelines.