ACSM Publishes Science Behind the Updated Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) today published a collection of 14 new pronouncements that present the science behind the updated Physical Activity Guidelines released in November 2018. Authored primarily by ACSM subject matter experts, each pronouncement addresses a specific topic, sharing the scientific evidence and identifying key knowledge gaps for future research to address. The “Scientific Pronouncements: Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd Edition” collection is published in ACSM’s flagship research journal, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise®.

“Publishing these papers aligns with ACSM’s mission to advance and integrate scientific research to improve education and the practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine. It also gives us an opportunity to highlight the innovative research and collaboration of our members,” said ACSM President-elect and Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee member William E. Kraus, M.D., FACSM. “While the Physical Activity Guidelines rightfully receive a great deal of attention, the research evidence underlying them doesn’t. The translated research will help people worldwide be more active, combat chronic disease and ultimately live longer, healthier lives.”

Authors used best practice methodology to conduct the scientific reviews. This is a multistep process that includes identifying specific questions to answer, developing criteria, conducting systematic searches, reviewing evidence, assessing quality and composing a comprehensive summary. The steps mirror what ACSM uses to develop its own position stands and newer umbrella reviews. This methodology ensures the reviews accurately represent the science and reflect the current state of knowledge.

Topics addressed in the pronouncements range from the relationships between physical activity and health outcomes like cancer, cognition, hypertension, pregnancy and aging to specific physical activity metrics like daily step counts, activity bout duration and high intensity interval training (HIIT).

Health care and fitness professionals as well as basic and applied scientists can use the pronouncements to identify gaps in literature and plan future research projects. They can also cite the pronouncements as current evidence in research papers and grant applications. Additionally, the information can inform the development and delivery of effective interventions.

“ACSM is thrilled to bring these noteworthy papers together in one collection that is freely available for members and the public,” added Kraus. “Having all of the papers in one place provides health care and fitness professionals, as well as basic and applied scientists, with the information they need for day-to-day work with clients, teaching students or with patients in a clinical setting.”

In addition to the U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee Report—Introduction, titles included in the ACSM Scientific Pronouncements: Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans collection are:

• Daily Step Counts for Measuring Physical Activity Exposure and Its Relation to Health


• Association between Bout Duration of Physical Activity and Health: Systematic Review


• High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) for Cardiometabolic Disease Prevention


• Sedentary Behavior and Health: Update from the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee


• Physical Activity, Cognition and Brain Outcomes: A Review of the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines


• Physical Activity in Cancer Prevention and Survival: A Systematic Review


• Physical Activity and the Prevention of Weight Gain in Adults: A Systematic Review


• Physical Activity, All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality, and Cardiovascular Disease


• Physical Activity and Health in Children under 6 Years of Age: A Systematic Review


• The Benefits of Physical Activity during Pregnancy and Postpartum: An Umbrella Review


• Physical Activity, Injurious Falls and Physical Function in Aging: An Umbrella Review


• Physical Activity to Prevent and Treat Hypertension: A Systematic Review


• Effects of Physical Activity in Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Umbrella Review


• Physical Activity Promotion: Highlights from the 2018 PAGAC Systematic Review