Table 2 Dutch physical activity norms for adults

Dutch Norm for Health-enhancing Physical Activity (DNHPA)

Adults (18–54 years):

Thirty minutes or more of at least moderate-intensity aerobic (endurance) physical activity (≥ 4 MET) on at least five days each week.

Adults (55 years and older):

Thirty minutes or more of at least moderate-intensity aerobic (endurance) physical activity (≥ 3 MET) on at least five days each week.

A moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity requires a moderate amount of effort and noticeably accelerates the heart rate, e.g. brisk walking, gardening.

Fit-norm

Adults (18–54 years):

Twenty minutes or more of vigorous-intensity physical activity (≥ 6.5 MET) on at least three days each week.

Adults (55 years and older):

Twenty minutes or more of vigorous-intensity physical activity (≥ 5 MET) on at least three days each week.

A vigorous-intensity physical activity requires a large amount of effort and causes rapid breathing and a substantial increase in heart rate, e.g. running, fast cycling.

Combi-norm

Meeting the DNHPA and/or Fit-norm.

An adult is physically active enough to improve and maintain health when he or she meets at least one of the above mentioned norms (i.e. the DNHPA or Fit-norm).