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BOX 2-5 
Progression of the Recommended Dose of 
Physical Activity for Youth
The dose of physical activity recommended for youth has changed during 
the past 30 years (see the table below). Initially, with little information 
specific to youth available, the recommended dose for adults, children, 
and adolescents was the same. As knowledge accumulated and the spe-
cial needs of children and adolescents were taken into account, the dose 
recommended for the latter age groups differed from that recommended 
for adults.