The Problem: Serious Physical Inactivity Among Students
Our kids are seriously physically inactive, and physical inactivity can lead to many non-communicable diseases or even premature mortality. It adversely affects the quality of life of our future citizens, harming the most fundamental and precious capital that Hong Kong needs to succeed.
Since 2019, IHKSports has commissioned the Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Hong Kong to conduct a territory-wide longitudinal study. Activity trackers are distributed to students through random sampling to measure their exercise hours and intensity for a week to collect data on youth activity levels in Hong Kong.
The latest research results were published on 13 October 2023, indicating that the problem of youth physical inactivity in Hong Kong remains critical, with only 8% of school children and adolescents meeting the WHO's recommendation. If there are 30-40 students in a class, only 2-3 of them exercise enough every day.
Since 2019, IHKSports has commissioned the Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Hong Kong to conduct a territory-wide longitudinal study. Activity trackers are distributed to students through random sampling to measure their exercise hours and intensity for a week to collect data on youth activity levels in Hong Kong.
The latest research results were published on 13 October 2023, indicating that the problem of youth physical inactivity in Hong Kong remains critical, with only 8% of school children and adolescents meeting the WHO's recommendation. If there are 30-40 students in a class, only 2-3 of them exercise enough every day.
Fewer than 3 students in a 30-student class
meet the WHO’s recommendation on the daily physical activity level
Students meet MVPA60
The Solution:
"MVPA60HK Indicator"& "SportsHour"
The “MVPA60HK Indicator” is the first index to provide annual scientific data for measuring and reporting the physical activity levels of children and youth aged 5 to 17 in Hong Kong. This indicator highlights the importance of physical and mental health for our next generation. In addition to releasing data, we have also set a target for 2030: to double the current percentage of adolescents who engage in MVPA60 daily from 8% to 16%.
Children are our future. Born in an era of rapid technological advancement, they benefit from the convenience brought by advanced devices, yet they also face growing health risks from increasingly sedentary lifestyles. As adults who shape their habits, we have a responsibility to improve their health and encourage them to be more active.
With this in mind, with the support of our lead advocacy partner, IHKSports has launched three “SportsHour” initiatives to help us achieve our 2030 goal. We call on the wider public to support us and join together in promoting the “MVPA60HK Indicator”!
2025 Yearly progress overview
