§ Mr. SayeedTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what research has been conducted into how much vigorous exercise is required by the age groups(a) under 14 years, (b) 14 to 23 years, (c) 23 to 50 years and (d) 50-plus years in order to significantly reduce the threat of heart disease; and what measures are being taken to encourage people to achieve these levels.
§ Mr. MellorThe appropriate amount of exercise to help reduce the threat of heart disease will vary not only according to age but also according to each individual's physical and medical condition. It is not possible to quantify the amount of exercise that would be beneficial simply by broad age bands. The Sports Council 203W encourages participation in physical exercise and has published, jointly with the Health Education Authority, booklets on exercise which give "rule of thumb" guidelines on "testing" levels of fitness and measuring improvements in those who start to exercise regularly. These reflect the broad consensus of medical opinion that everyone would benefit from physical exercise and that 20 to 30 minutes exercise, on two or three occasions a week, is beneficial against coronary heart disease and brings many other benefits. I understand that the Sports Council hopes to carry out a national fitness survey in 1989–91.