Aspetar, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, has appealed to community members to make use of its “National Physical Activity Guidelines for Qatar” for regular physical activity as Qatar celebrates National Sport Day 2026.
Aspetar has launched the “National Physical Activity Guidelines for Qatar”, a national reference that helps community members, fitness enthusiasts, and amateur athletes to adopt a more active and healthier lifestyle.
The guidelines aim to improve public health and prevent chronic diseases through simple, yet effective advice centred on regular movement rather than medication alone.
“At Aspetar, we believe that sport is a fundamental pillar of building a healthy and progressive society,” said acting Aspetar director-general Khalid Ali al-Mawlawi. “Physical activity is not just exercise – it is a lifestyle that enhances health, wellbeing, and safety.”
“Our approach to sports medicine goes beyond treatment; it empowers individuals to move intelligently, safely, and sustainably,” he added.
The guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week for adults, and 60 minutes daily for children, with tailored advice for specific groups such as pregnant women and older adults.
They highlight the proven benefits of physical activity in reducing the risk of more than 40 chronic conditions commonly seen in primary care, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.
The document introduces the concept of a “movement prescription”, based on four elements – frequency, intensity, type, and duration – to help design exercise programmes suited to everyone’s needs and abilities.
It offers practical examples of daily activities that meet these recommendations while emphasising reduced sitting time and integrating movement into everyday routines.
As part of its National Sport Day celebrations, Aspetar will host an interactive event to raise health and wellness awareness among its staff and athletes.
The Departments of Physiotherapy and Sports Podiatry will organise a two-day activity on February 8-9 under the theme Steps Towards Better Health.
Participants will have the opportunity to assess their personal “walking and running patterns” using state-of-the-art motion analysis systems typically used in evaluating elite athletes.
Aspetar’s expert team will provide on-the-spot movement assessments, personalised advice on foot health, guidance on choosing the right footwear, and tips on injury prevention.
This year, Aspetar will also participate in the Aspire Zone Foundation’s National Sport Day activities at Aspire Park.
Aspetar will offer mobile health units providing free health checkups including blood pressure, glucose, and nutrition consultations – along with educational sessions focused on healthy eating.
The Aspetar Sports Nutrition department has launched a comprehensive digital platform providing credible information on the safe use of dietary supplements, addressing common questions and empowering active individuals with reliable knowledge.
Additionally, the department recently published a scientific study exploring the relationship between nutrition and bone injuries among runners, particularly stress-related bone injuries caused by repetitive strain.