In its 2017 Physical Activity Guidelines, the Health Council of the Netherlands indicated that there was insufficient scientific evidence for a guideline for children from 0 up to and including 4 years of age. Because parents and professionals do need such a guideline in practice, the Minister for Medical Care and Sport has asked the Health Council to advise on the recommended amount, intensity and type of physical activity for this young target group. The Council has also been asked to examine practices in other countries (see here for more information about international guidelines) and to make use of expert opinions. Finally, the Minister has asked the Council to make recommendations for research. By installing the committee, the Council has taken the first step.

The committee consists of:

  • Prof. Dr E. de Geus, Professor of Psychophysiology, VU, Amsterdam, chair
  • Prof. Dr M. Chin A Paw, Professor of Social Medicine, Amsterdam UMC
  • Prof. Dr R. Engelbert, senior lecturer and research director, HvA, Amsterdam, and Professor by special appointment of Paediatric Physiotherapy, Amsterdam UMC
  • Dr J. Gubbels, Assistant Professor of Health Promotion, Maastricht University
  • Prof. Dr M. Hadders-Algra, Professor of Developmental Neurology, UMCG, Groningen
  • Dr E. Hartman, Associate Professor of Exercise Sciences, UMCG, Groningen
  • Prof. Dr S. Hunnius, Professor of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University, Nijmegen
  • Prof. Dr V.W.V. Jaddoe, Professor of Paediatric Epidemiology and paediatrician, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam
  • Prof. Dr G.A.H. van Mil, paediatric endocrinologist, Jeroen Bosch Hospital,
    ’s-Hertogenbosch, and Professor of Youth, Nutrition and Health, Maastricht University
  • Dr T. Takken, head of the medical physiology discipline, UMC Utrecht
  • Dr G.C.W. Wendel-Vos, senior researcher in sport, physical activity and health, RIVM, Bilthoven, consulted as a permanent expert

The observers on the committee are:

  • Drs F. van Brussel, Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical Activity, Ede
  • Drs L. van Koperen, VWS, The Hague

Photo: Wannes Nimmegeers