Benefits of Physical Activity
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Evidence of Benefits of Physical Activity[edit | edit source]
Physical activity [PA] has become a public health priority[11] because of the overwhelming body of evidence supporting its effectiveness as a holistic health intervention[1].
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].
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].
Health Related Components of Physical Fitness[6][edit | edit source]
- Cardiorespiratory endurance: the ability of the circulatory and respiratory system to supply oxygen during PA
- Muscular strength: the ability of muscle to exert force
- Muscular endurance: the ability of muscle to perform without fatigue
- Flexibility: the range of motion present in a joint
- Body composition: the relative amounts of muscle, bone, fat and other body tissues[7]
[edit | edit source]
These include (but are not necessarily limited to):
Improve glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity[7]
References[edit | edit source]
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- ↑ Warburton DER, Nicol CW, Bredlin SSD. Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence. fckLRCan Med Assoc J 2006;174(6):801-09
- ↑ 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
- ↑ Naci H, Ioannidis JPA. Comparative effectiveness of exercise and drug interventions on mortality outcomes: metaepidemiological study. BMJ 2013;347:f5577
- ↑ Katzmarzyk PT. Physical activity, sedentary behavior, and health: paradigm paralysis or paradigm shift? Diabetes 2010;59:2717-2725
- ↑ 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
- ↑ 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
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Warburton DE1, Gledhill N, Quinney A. Musculoskeletal fitness and health. Can J Appl Physiol. 2001 Apr;26(2):217-37.
