Benefits of Physical Activity: Difference between revisions

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== Evidence of Benefits of Physical Activity  ==
== Evidence of Benefits of Physical Activity  ==
Physical activity [PA] has become a public health priority because of the overwhelming body of evidence supporting its effectiveness as a holistic health intervention<ref name=":2">Warburton DER, Nicol CW, Bredlin SSD. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16534088/ Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence]. Can Med Assoc J 2006;174(6):801-09</ref>. 


[[File:Cycling Freestock photos.jpg|452x452px|right|frameless]]Physical activity [PA] has become a public health priority[[Tackling Physical Inactivity: A Resource for Raising Awareness in Physiotherapists|[11]]] because of the overwhelming body of evidence supporting its effectiveness as a holistic health intervention<ref name=":2">Warburton DER, Nicol CW, Bredlin SSD. Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence. fckLRCan Med Assoc J 2006;174(6):801-09</ref>.   
See [[Tackling Physical Inactivity: A Resource for Raising Awareness in Physiotherapists]] for more information.   


As long ago as the 1950s, Professor Morris and his colleagues demonstrated that men engaged in work requiring a level of physical activity (e.g. postmen or bus conductors) were less likely to suffer from coronary heart disease than men with sedentary jobs (e.g. bus drivers or clerical workers)<ref>Paffenbarger RS Jr, Blair SN, Lee IM. A history of physical activity, cardiovascular health and longevity: the scientific contributions of Jeremy N Morris, DSc, DPH, FRCP. Int J Epidemiol 2001;30(5):1184-92</ref>. Since this time, many studies in different countries and populations have demonstrated the benefits of PA in a wide variety of health conditions, in some cases showing an effect equal to or even greater than medication<ref>Naci H, Ioannidis JPA. Comparative effectiveness of exercise and drug interventions on mortality outcomes: metaepidemiological study. BMJ 2013;347:f5577</ref>.   
As long ago as the 1950s, Professor Morris and his colleagues demonstrated that men engaged in work requiring a level of physical activity (e.g. postmen or bus conductors) were less likely to suffer from [https://www.physio-pedia.com/Coronary_Artery_Disease_(CAD) coronary heart disease] than men with sedentary jobs (e.g. bus drivers or clerical workers)<ref>Paffenbarger RS Jr, Blair SN, Lee IM. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11689543/ A history of physical activity, cardiovascular health and longevity]: the scientific contributions of Jeremy N Morris, DSc, DPH, FRCP. Int J Epidemiol 2001;30(5):1184-92</ref>. Since this time, many studies in different countries and populations have demonstrated the benefits of PA in a wide variety of health conditions, in some cases showing an effect equal to or even greater than medication<ref>Naci H, Ioannidis JPA. [https://www.bmj.com/content/347/bmj.f5577 Comparative effectiveness of exercise and drug interventions on mortality outcomes: meta-epidemiological study.] BMJ 2013;347:f5577</ref>.   


There appears to be a linear relation between physical activity and health status, such that a further increase in physical activity and fitness will lead to additional improvements in health status<ref name=":2" />.   
There appears to be a linear relation between [[Physical Activity|physical activity]] and [https://www.physio-pedia.com/What_is_Health%3F health] status, such that a further increase in physical activity and fitness will lead to additional improvements in health status<ref name=":2" />.   


=== Historical Perspective  ===
=== Historical Perspective  ===


Human beings are built for movement. For much of history we were hunters and gatherers and our genes have evolved to accommodate the high energy expenditure levels required to be successful and thrive in the environment<ref>Katzmarzyk PT. Physical activity, sedentary behavior, and health: paradigm paralysis or paradigm shift? Diabetes 2010;59:2717-2725</ref><ref>Booth FW, Chakravarthy MV, Gordon SE, Spangenburg EE. Waging war on physical inactivity: using modern molecular ammunition against an ancient enemy. J Appl Physiol 2002;93:3-30</ref>.  
Human beings are built for movement. For much of history, we were hunters and gatherers and our genes have evolved to accommodate the high energy expenditure levels required to be successful and thrive in the environment<ref>Katzmarzyk PT. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2963526/ Physical activity, sedentary behavior, and health: paradigm paralysis or paradigm shift?] Diabetes 2010;59:2717-2725</ref><ref>Booth FW, Chakravarthy MV, Gordon SE, Spangenburg EE. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12070181/ Waging war on physical inactivity: using modern molecular ammunition against an ancient enemy.] J Appl Physiol 2002;93:3-30</ref>.  


Yet in the 21st century, in many countries of the world people spend large periods of the day sitting down, whether at desks, computers or in transport; one study<ref name=":3">Grosclaude M, Ziltener JL. Benefits of physical activity.  Rev Med Suisse [01 Aug 2010, 6(258):1495-1498]
Yet in the 21st century, in many countries of the world people spend large periods of the day sitting down, whether at desks, computers or in transport. A study<ref name=":3">Grosclaude M, Ziltener JL. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20822054/ Benefits of physical activity.  Rev Med Suisse] [01 Aug 2010, 6(258):1495-1498]
</ref> states "With the evolution of the development of knowledge and progress in automatic technologies, the human society gradually turned into a sedentary population. It is moreover clearly established that the physical activity is insufficient in Europe and in the developed countries. The physical activity is certainly beneficial for many reasons, but it is especially the inactivity which is dangerous." <ref name=":3" />.  
</ref> states, "With the evolution of the development of knowledge and progress in automatic technologies, the human society gradually turned into a sedentary population. It is moreover clearly established that physical activity is insufficient in Europe and in the developed countries. The physical activity is certainly beneficial for many reasons, but it is especially the inactivity which is dangerous." <ref name=":3" />.  
== Health Related Components of Physical Fitness<ref>Darren E.R. Warburton, Crystal Whitney Nicol, and Shannon S.D. Bredin Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence. CMAJ. 2006 Mar 14; 174(6): 801–809</ref>  ==
{| class="wikitable"
* Cardiorespiratory endurance: the ability of the circulatory and respiratory system to supply oxygen during PA
|-
* Muscular strength: the ability of muscle to exert force
|[[File:Physical activity benefits infographic for adults and older people.png|none|thumb]]
* Muscular endurance: the ability of muscle to perform without fatigue
|[[File:Screenshot 2018-12-03 at 11.11.23.png|none|thumb]]
* Flexibility: the range of motion present in a joint
|}
* Body composition: the relative amounts of muscle, bone, fat and other body tissues<ref name=":0">Warburton DE1, Gledhill N, Quinney A. Musculoskeletal fitness and health. Can J Appl Physiol. 2001 Apr;26(2):217-37.
 
== Health-Related Components of Physical Fitness ==
* Cardiorespiratory endurance: the ability of the circulatory and respiratory system to supply oxygen during PA.
* Muscular strength: the ability of the muscle to exert force.
* Muscular endurance: the ability of the muscle to perform without fatigue.
* Flexibility: the range of motion present in a joint.<ref name=":0">Warburton DE1, Gledhill N, Quinney A. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11312417/ Musculoskeletal fitness and health]. Can J Appl Physiol. 2001 Apr;26(2):217-37.
</ref>
</ref>
* Body composition: the relative amounts of muscle, bone, fat and other body tissues.<ref>Darren E.R. Warburton, Crystal Whitney Nicol, and Shannon S.D. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1402378/ Bredin Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence]. CMAJ. 2006 Mar 14; 174(6): 801–809</ref>
[[File:Health-benefits-of-physical-activity.png|none|thumb|600x600px]]


=== More esoteric health related benefits of PA ===
=== More esoteric health-related benefits of PA ===
 
* Improves glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity<ref name=":0" /><ref>Wallberg-Henriksson H, Rincon J, Zierath JR. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9458525/ Exercise in the management of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus]. ''Sports Med'' 1998;25:25-35</ref>
Improve glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity<ref name=":0" /><ref>Wallberg-Henriksson H, Rincon J, Zierath JR. Exercise in the management of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. ''Sports Med'' 1998;25:25-35</ref>
* Reduces blood pressure<ref>Blair SN, Goodyear NN, Gibbons LW, et al. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6737638/ Physical fitness and incidence of hypertension in healthy normotensive men and women.] ''JAMA'' 1984;252:487-90</ref><ref>Paffenbarger RS Jr, Jung DL, Leung RW, et al. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1402378/ Physical activity and hypertension: an epidemiological view]. ''Ann Med'' 1991;23:319-27</ref><ref>Crisafulli A, Pagliaro P. [https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/21/8/2896/htm Physical activity/inactivity and COVID-19]. Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2020 May 19:2047487320927597.</ref>
 
* Improves autonomic tone<ref>Adamopoulos S, Piepoli M, McCance A, et al. [https://books.google.co.in/books?id=R2HHDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA125&lpg=PA125&dq=Adamopoulos+S,+Piepoli+M,+McCance+A,+et+al.+Comparison+of+different+methods+for+assessing+sympathovagal+balance+in+chronic+congestive+heart+failure+secondary+to+coronary+artery+disease.+Am+J+Cardiol+1992;70:1576-82&source=bl&ots=uE-JRifECa&sig=ACfU3U3r6AEio1JsKUOVuTW3WYt1Kei4Xg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiA16b5nqXwAhWHYysKHdU6CxEQ6AEwAHoECAMQAw Comparison of different methods for assessing sympathovagal balance in chronic congestive heart failure secondary to coronary artery disease.] ''Am J Cardiol'' 1992;70:1576-82</ref>
Reduce blood pressure<ref>Blair SN, Goodyear NN, Gibbons LW, et al. Physical fitness and incidence of hypertension in healthy normotensive men and women. ''JAMA'' 1984;252:487-90</ref><ref>Paffenbarger RS Jr, Jung DL, Leung RW, et al. Physical activity and hypertension: an epidemiological view. ''Ann Med'' 1991;23:319-27</ref>
* Decreases blood coagulation<ref>Rauramaa R, Salonen JT, Seppanen K, et al. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3533315/ Inhibition of platelet aggregability by moderate-intensity physical exercise: a randomized clinical trial in overweight men.] ''Circulation''1986;74:939-44</ref>
 
* Improves coronary blood flow<ref>Hambrecht R, Wolf A, Gielen S, et al. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10675425/ Effect of exercise on coronary endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease]. ''N Engl J Med'' 2000;342:454-60</ref>
Improve autonomic tone<ref>Adamopoulos S, Piepoli M, McCance A, et al. Comparison of different methods for assessing sympathovagal balance in chronic congestive heart failure secondary to coronary artery disease. ''Am J Cardiol'' 1992;70:1576-82</ref>
* Enhances lipid lipoprotein profiles (e.g., through reduced triglyceride levels, increased high-density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol levels and decreased low-density lipoprotein [LDL]-to-HDL ratios)<ref name=":0" /><ref>Berg A, Halle M, Franz I, et al. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9182653/ Physical activity and lipoprotein metabolism: epidemiological evidence and clinical trials.] ''Eur J Med Res'' 1997;2:259-64</ref><ref>Halle M, Berg A, von Stein T, et al. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8871904/ Lipoprotein(a) in endurance athletes, power athletes, and sedentary controls]. ''Med Sci Sports Exerc'' 1996;28:962-6</ref><ref>DuRant RH, Baranowski T, Rhodes T, et al. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8345412/ Association among serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations and physical activity, physical fitness, and body composition in young children]. ''J Pediatr'' 1993;123:185-92</ref><ref>Choudhary MK, Runlu S, Dahal S, Bhattarai R, Nepal R, Yuling Z. Plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol responses to endurance exercise training: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Clinical and Preventive Cardiology. 2020;9:10717.</ref>
 
* Reduces systemic inflammation<ref>Adamopoulos S, Parissis J, Kroupis C, et al. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11350112/ Physical training reduces peripheral markers of inflammation in patients with chronic heart failure]. ''Eur Heart J'' 2001;22:791-7</ref><ref>Filgueira TO, Castoldi A, Santos LER, de Amorim GJ, de Sousa Fernandes MS, Anastácio WLDN, et al. [https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2021.587146/full The relevance of a physical active lifestyle and physical fitness on immune defense: mitigating disease burden, with focus on COVID-19 consequences]. Front Immunol. 2021 Feb 5;12:587146. </ref>
Decrease blood coagulation<ref>Rauramaa R, Salonen JT, Seppanen K, et al. Inhibition of platelet aggregability by moderate-intensity physical exercise: a randomized clinical trial in overweight men. ''Circulation''1986;74:939-44</ref>
* Augments cardiac function<ref>Warburton DER, Gledhill N, Jamnik V, et al. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10378906/ Induced hypervolemia, cardiac function, VO2max and performance of elite cyclists.] ''Med Sci Sports Exerc'' 1999;31:800-8</ref><ref>Warburton DE, Haykowsky MJ, Quinney HA, et al. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15179169/ Blood volume expansion and cardiorespiratory function: effects of training modality.] ''Med Sci Sports Exerc'' 2004;36:991-1000</ref>
 
* Enhances endothelial function<ref>Gokce N, Vita JA, Bader DS, et al. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12106840/ Effect of exercise on upper and lower extremity endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease.] ''Am J Cardiol'' 2002;90: 124-7</ref><ref>Kobayashi N, Tsuruya Y, Iwasawa T, et al. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12808267/ Exercise training in patients with chronic heart failure improves endothelial function predominantly in the trained extremities]. ''Circ J''2003;67:505-10</ref><ref>Hambrecht R, Gielen S, Linke A, et al. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10865304/ Effects of exercise training on left ventricular function and peripheral resistance in patients with chronic heart failure]: a randomized trial. ''JAMA'' 2000;283:3095-101</ref><ref>Da Silva MR, Waclawovsky G, Perin L, Camboim I, Eibel B, Lehnen AM, Effects of high-intensity interval training on endothelial function, lipid profile, body composition and physical fitness in normal-weight and overweight-obese adolescents: A clinical trial. Physiology & Behavior. 2020;213:112728.</ref>
Improve coronary blood flow<ref>Hambrecht R, Wolf A, Gielen S, et al. Effect of exercise on coronary endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease. ''N Engl J Med'' 2000;342:454-60</ref>
 
Enhance lipid lipoprotein profiles (e.g., through reduced triglyceride levels, increased high-density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol levels and decreased low-density lipoprotein [LDL]-to-HDL ratios)<ref name=":0" /><ref>Berg A, Halle M, Franz I, et al. Physical activity and lipoprotein metabolism: epidemiological evidence and clinical trials. ''Eur J Med Res'' 1997;2:259-64</ref><ref>Halle M, Berg A, von Stein T, et al. Lipoprotein(a) in endurance athletes, power athletes, and sedentary controls. ''Med Sci Sports Exerc'' 1996;28:962-6</ref><ref>DuRant RH, Baranowski T, Rhodes T, et al. Association among serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations and physical activity, physical fitness, and body composition in young children. ''J Pediatr'' 1993;123:185-92</ref>
 
Reduce systemic inflammation<ref>Adamopoulos S, Parissis J, Kroupis C, et al. Physical training reduces peripheral markers of inflammation in patients with chronic heart failure. ''Eur Heart J'' 2001;22:791-7</ref>
 
Augment cardiac function<ref>Warburton DER, Gledhill N, Jamnik V, et al. Induced hypervolemia, cardiac function, VO2max and performance of elite cyclists. ''Med Sci Sports Exerc'' 1999;31:800-8</ref><ref>Warburton DE, Haykowsky MJ, Quinney HA, et al. Blood volume expansion and cardiorespiratory function: effects of training modality. ''Med Sci Sports Exerc'' 2004;36:991-1000</ref>
 
Enhance endothelial function<ref>Gokce N, Vita JA, Bader DS, et al. Effect of exercise on upper and lower extremity endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease. ''Am J Cardiol'' 2002;90: 124-7</ref><ref>Kobayashi N, Tsuruya Y, Iwasawa T, et al. Exercise training in patients with chronic heart failure improves endothelial function predominantly in the trained extremities. ''Circ J''2003;67:505-10</ref><ref>Hambrecht R, Gielen S, Linke A, et al. Effects of exercise training on left ventricular function and peripheral resistance in patients with chronic heart failure: a randomized trial. ''JAMA'' 2000;283:3095-101</ref>


== Skill Related Physical Fitness Components ==
== Skill Related Physical Fitness Components ==
* Coordination: the ability to use the senses together with body parts to perform motor tasks accurately<ref><header>
* [[Coordination Exercises|Coordination]]: the ability to use the senses together with body parts to perform motor tasks accurately
</header><section>
* [[Balance]]: the maintenance of equilibrium whilst moving or stationary<ref name=":1">Stephen Lord, Sally Castell  [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0004951414604542 Effect of exercise on balance, strength and reaction time in older people. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy], Volume 40, Issue 2, 1994, Pages 83-88
Wu, Yen-Hsun; Latash, Mark L. The Effects of Practice on Coordination
</section><section>
Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews: January 2014 - Volume 42 - Issue 1 - p 37–42
</section></ref>
* Balance: the maintenance of equilibrium whilst moving or stationary<ref name=":1">Stephen Lord, Sally Castell  Effect of exercise on balance, strength and reaction time in older people. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, Volume 40, Issue 2, 1994, Pages 83-88
</ref>
</ref>
* Agility: the ability to change the position of the body in space with speed & accuracy
* Agility: the ability to change the position of the body in space with speed & accuracy
Line 59: Line 53:


== Mental Health Related Physical Fitness Components ==
== Mental Health Related Physical Fitness Components ==
Routine physical activity is associated with improved psychological well-being<ref>Dunn AL, Trivedi MH, O'Neal HA. Physical activity dose–response effects on outcomes of depression and anxiety. [discussion 609-10]. ''Med Sci Sports Exerc'' 2001;33:S587-97</ref><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":0" /> (e.g., through reduced stress, anxiety and depression). See the [[Physical Activity and Mental Health|PA and Mental Health]] page for more details.
Routine physical activity is associated with improved psychological well-being<ref>Dunn AL, Trivedi MH, O'Neal HA. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11427783/ Physical activity dose–response effects on outcomes of depression and anxiety.] [discussion 609-10]. ''Med Sci Sports Exerc'' 2001;33:S587-97</ref><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":0" /> (e.g., through reduced stress, anxiety and depression). See the [[Physical Activity and Mental Health|PA and Mental Health]] page for more details.
 
== Related Physiopedia Pages ==
== Related Physiopedia Pages ==


==== Conditions ====
==== Conditions ====
The following pages provide more information, evidence and references on the benefits of PA in specific groups of conditions:
The following pages provide more information, evidence and references on the benefits of PA in specific groups of conditions:
 
* [[Physical Activity and Non-Communicable Diseases|Physical Activity and NCDs]]
[[Physical Activity and Non-Communicable Diseases|Physical Activity and NCDs]]
* [[Physical Activity in Long Term Musculoskeletal Conditions|Physical Activity in Long Term Musculoskeletal Conditions]]
 
* [[Physical Activity and Neurological Conditions]]
[[Physical Activity in Long Term Musculoskeletal Conditions|Physical Activity in Long Term Muskuloskeletal Conditions]]
* [[Physical Activity and Respiratory Conditions]]
 
* [[Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Disease]]
[[Physical Activity and Neurological Conditions]]
* [[Physical Activity in Diabetes]]
 
* [[Physical Activity in Cancer]]
[[Physical Activity and Respiratory Conditions]]
* [[Stroke: The Role of Physical Activity]]
 
[[Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Disease]]
 
[[Physical Activity in Diabetes]]
 
[[Physical Activity in Cancer]]


==== Populations ====
==== Populations ====
These pages provide more information, evidence and references on the benefits of PA in specific population groups:
These pages provide more information, evidence and references on the benefits of PA in specific population groups:
 
* [[Physical Activity in Young People]]
[[Physical Activity in Young People]]
* [[Physical Activity in Older Adults]]
 
* [[Physical Activity and Women]]
[[Physical Activity in Older Adults]]
* [[Physical Activity and Men]]
 
* [[Physical Activity in Individuals with Disabilities|Physical Activity in Individuals with a Disability]]
[[Physical Activity and Women]]
 
[[Physical Activity and Men]]
 
[[Physical Activity in Individuals with Disabilities|Physical Activity in Individuals with a Disability]]


== References  ==
== References  ==
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[[Category:Physical_Activity]]  
[[Category:Physical_Activity]]  
[[Category:Physical_Activity_Content_Development_Project]]
[[Category:Physical_Activity_Content_Development_Project]]
[[Category:Rehabilitation Foundations]]
[[Category:Exercise Therapy]]
[[Category:Course Pages]]

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Original Editor - Wendy Walker

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Evidence of Benefits of Physical Activity[edit | edit source]

Physical activity [PA] has become a public health priority because of the overwhelming body of evidence supporting its effectiveness as a holistic health intervention[1].

See Tackling Physical Inactivity: A Resource for Raising Awareness in Physiotherapists for more information.

As long ago as the 1950s, Professor Morris and his colleagues demonstrated that men engaged in work requiring a level of physical activity (e.g. postmen or bus conductors) were less likely to suffer from coronary heart disease than men with sedentary jobs (e.g. bus drivers or clerical workers)[2]. Since this time, many studies in different countries and populations have demonstrated the benefits of PA in a wide variety of health conditions, in some cases showing an effect equal to or even greater than medication[3].

There appears to be a linear relation between physical activity and health status, such that a further increase in physical activity and fitness will lead to additional improvements in health status[1].

Historical Perspective[edit | edit source]

Human beings are built for movement. For much of history, we were hunters and gatherers and our genes have evolved to accommodate the high energy expenditure levels required to be successful and thrive in the environment[4][5].

Yet in the 21st century, in many countries of the world people spend large periods of the day sitting down, whether at desks, computers or in transport. A study[6] states, "With the evolution of the development of knowledge and progress in automatic technologies, the human society gradually turned into a sedentary population. It is moreover clearly established that physical activity is insufficient in Europe and in the developed countries. The physical activity is certainly beneficial for many reasons, but it is especially the inactivity which is dangerous." [6].

Physical activity benefits infographic for adults and older people.png
Screenshot 2018-12-03 at 11.11.23.png

Health-Related Components of Physical Fitness[edit | edit source]

  • Cardiorespiratory endurance: the ability of the circulatory and respiratory system to supply oxygen during PA.
  • Muscular strength: the ability of the muscle to exert force.
  • Muscular endurance: the ability of the muscle to perform without fatigue.
  • Flexibility: the range of motion present in a joint.[7]
  • Body composition: the relative amounts of muscle, bone, fat and other body tissues.[8]
Health-benefits-of-physical-activity.png

More esoteric health-related benefits of PA[edit | edit source]

  • Improves glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity[7][9]
  • Reduces blood pressure[10][11][12]
  • Improves autonomic tone[13]
  • Decreases blood coagulation[14]
  • Improves coronary blood flow[15]
  • Enhances lipid lipoprotein profiles (e.g., through reduced triglyceride levels, increased high-density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol levels and decreased low-density lipoprotein [LDL]-to-HDL ratios)[7][16][17][18][19]
  • Reduces systemic inflammation[20][21]
  • Augments cardiac function[22][23]
  • Enhances endothelial function[24][25][26][27]

Skill Related Physical Fitness Components[edit | edit source]

  • Coordination: the ability to use the senses together with body parts to perform motor tasks accurately
  • Balance: the maintenance of equilibrium whilst moving or stationary[28]
  • Agility: the ability to change the position of the body in space with speed & accuracy
  • Speed: the ability to perform a movement swiftly/within a short period of time
  • Reaction time: the time between stimulation and the start of a response/reaction to it[28]

Mental Health Related Physical Fitness Components[edit | edit source]

Routine physical activity is associated with improved psychological well-being[29][1][7] (e.g., through reduced stress, anxiety and depression). See the PA and Mental Health page for more details.

Related Physiopedia Pages[edit | edit source]

Conditions[edit | edit source]

The following pages provide more information, evidence and references on the benefits of PA in specific groups of conditions:

Populations[edit | edit source]

These pages provide more information, evidence and references on the benefits of PA in specific population groups:

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Warburton DER, Nicol CW, Bredlin SSD. Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence. Can Med Assoc J 2006;174(6):801-09
  2. ↑ Paffenbarger RS Jr, Blair SN, Lee IM. A history of physical activity, cardiovascular health and longevity: the scientific contributions of Jeremy N Morris, DSc, DPH, FRCP. Int J Epidemiol 2001;30(5):1184-92
  3. ↑ Naci H, Ioannidis JPA. Comparative effectiveness of exercise and drug interventions on mortality outcomes: meta-epidemiological study. BMJ 2013;347:f5577
  4. ↑ Katzmarzyk PT. Physical activity, sedentary behavior, and health: paradigm paralysis or paradigm shift? Diabetes 2010;59:2717-2725
  5. ↑ Booth FW, Chakravarthy MV, Gordon SE, Spangenburg EE. Waging war on physical inactivity: using modern molecular ammunition against an ancient enemy. J Appl Physiol 2002;93:3-30
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Grosclaude M, Ziltener JL. Benefits of physical activity. Rev Med Suisse [01 Aug 2010, 6(258):1495-1498]
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Warburton DE1, Gledhill N, Quinney A. Musculoskeletal fitness and health. Can J Appl Physiol. 2001 Apr;26(2):217-37.
  8. ↑ Darren E.R. Warburton, Crystal Whitney Nicol, and Shannon S.D. Bredin Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence. CMAJ. 2006 Mar 14; 174(6): 801–809
  9. ↑ Wallberg-Henriksson H, Rincon J, Zierath JR. Exercise in the management of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Sports Med 1998;25:25-35
  10. ↑ Blair SN, Goodyear NN, Gibbons LW, et al. Physical fitness and incidence of hypertension in healthy normotensive men and women. JAMA 1984;252:487-90
  11. ↑ Paffenbarger RS Jr, Jung DL, Leung RW, et al. Physical activity and hypertension: an epidemiological view. Ann Med 1991;23:319-27
  12. ↑ Crisafulli A, Pagliaro P. Physical activity/inactivity and COVID-19. Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2020 May 19:2047487320927597.
  13. ↑ Adamopoulos S, Piepoli M, McCance A, et al. Comparison of different methods for assessing sympathovagal balance in chronic congestive heart failure secondary to coronary artery disease. Am J Cardiol 1992;70:1576-82
  14. ↑ Rauramaa R, Salonen JT, Seppanen K, et al. Inhibition of platelet aggregability by moderate-intensity physical exercise: a randomized clinical trial in overweight men. Circulation1986;74:939-44
  15. ↑ Hambrecht R, Wolf A, Gielen S, et al. Effect of exercise on coronary endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease. N Engl J Med 2000;342:454-60
  16. ↑ Berg A, Halle M, Franz I, et al. Physical activity and lipoprotein metabolism: epidemiological evidence and clinical trials. Eur J Med Res 1997;2:259-64
  17. ↑ Halle M, Berg A, von Stein T, et al. Lipoprotein(a) in endurance athletes, power athletes, and sedentary controls. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1996;28:962-6
  18. ↑ DuRant RH, Baranowski T, Rhodes T, et al. Association among serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations and physical activity, physical fitness, and body composition in young children. J Pediatr 1993;123:185-92
  19. ↑ Choudhary MK, Runlu S, Dahal S, Bhattarai R, Nepal R, Yuling Z. Plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol responses to endurance exercise training: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Clinical and Preventive Cardiology. 2020;9:10717.
  20. ↑ Adamopoulos S, Parissis J, Kroupis C, et al. Physical training reduces peripheral markers of inflammation in patients with chronic heart failure. Eur Heart J 2001;22:791-7
  21. ↑ Filgueira TO, Castoldi A, Santos LER, de Amorim GJ, de Sousa Fernandes MS, Anastácio WLDN, et al. The relevance of a physical active lifestyle and physical fitness on immune defense: mitigating disease burden, with focus on COVID-19 consequences. Front Immunol. 2021 Feb 5;12:587146.
  22. ↑ Warburton DER, Gledhill N, Jamnik V, et al. Induced hypervolemia, cardiac function, VO2max and performance of elite cyclists. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1999;31:800-8
  23. ↑ Warburton DE, Haykowsky MJ, Quinney HA, et al. Blood volume expansion and cardiorespiratory function: effects of training modality. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2004;36:991-1000
  24. ↑ Gokce N, Vita JA, Bader DS, et al. Effect of exercise on upper and lower extremity endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease. Am J Cardiol 2002;90: 124-7
  25. ↑ Kobayashi N, Tsuruya Y, Iwasawa T, et al. Exercise training in patients with chronic heart failure improves endothelial function predominantly in the trained extremities. Circ J2003;67:505-10
  26. ↑ Hambrecht R, Gielen S, Linke A, et al. Effects of exercise training on left ventricular function and peripheral resistance in patients with chronic heart failure: a randomized trial. JAMA 2000;283:3095-101
  27. ↑ Da Silva MR, Waclawovsky G, Perin L, Camboim I, Eibel B, Lehnen AM, Effects of high-intensity interval training on endothelial function, lipid profile, body composition and physical fitness in normal-weight and overweight-obese adolescents: A clinical trial. Physiology & Behavior. 2020;213:112728.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Stephen Lord, Sally Castell Effect of exercise on balance, strength and reaction time in older people. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, Volume 40, Issue 2, 1994, Pages 83-88
  29. ↑ Dunn AL, Trivedi MH, O'Neal HA. Physical activity dose–response effects on outcomes of depression and anxiety. [discussion 609-10]. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2001;33:S587-97
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