It has found that those who sat around for most of the day were up to nine times less likely to have normal levels of co-ordination.

Even, the simplest tasks like jumping and hopping are affected due to this routine.

The Portuguese researchers made their recommendation after tracking the movements of more than 200 nine and ten year olds.

The study tracked the movements these children using a pedometer-like gadget to measure activity levels over five days.

The children were also weighed and measured and put them through a series of tests purposely designed to test balance, speed, quickness and co-ordination.

The tests included walking backwards on a low beam, jumping from side to side, hopping over a stack of blocks and stepping from one box onto another box without failure.

On average, the children spent three-quarters of their time inactive; defined as sitting, lying down or watching a TV or computer screen, with the girls less active than the boys.

The couch potato boys were five to nine times less likely to have normal co-ordination, a Journal  has reported.

“Childhood is a critical time for the development of motor co-ordination skills which are essential for health and well-being,” said Researcher Dr Luis Lopes, of the University of Minho.