Physical Activity
Definition
Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. WHO
Physical activity as a public health priority
Physical inactivity has been identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality causing an estimated 3.2 million deaths globally. This article byLee 2012 concludes that "Physical inactivity has a major health effect worldwide".
Benefits of Physical Activity The benefits of physical activity are far reaching and cover both prevention and management of long term conditions. The Bristish Heart Foundation has published a document that summarises the research that supports the use of physical activity to:
- prevent ill health and reduce the number of people dying prematurely
- enhance mental health, quality of life and self-reported wellbeing
- delay the need for care in older adults (age 65+)
- reduce health inequalities and improve wider factors influencing health and wellbeing.
Global Strategy
Recognizing the unique opportunity that exists to formulate and implement an effective strategy for substantially reduce deaths and disease burden worldwide by improving diet and promoting physical activity, WHO has adopted, in May 2004, the "Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health".
The Global Strategy has 4 main objectives:
- Reduce risk factors for chronic diseases that stem from unhealthy diets and physical inactivity through public health actions.
- Increase awareness and understanding of the influences of diet and physical activity on health an the positive impact of preventive interventions.
- Develop, strengthen and implement global, regional, national policies and action plans to improve diets and increase physical activity that are sustainable, comprehensive and actively engage all sectors.
- Monitor science and promote research on diet and physical activity.
Physical Activity Guidelines (PAGs)
WHO developed the "Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health" with the overall aim of providing national and regional level policy makers with guidance on the dose-response relationship between the frequency, duration, intensity, type and total amount of physical activity needed for the prevention of NCDs. They can be read here
Many countries have created their own recommendations, the UK guidelines have recently been summarised in thisinfographic.
Physiotherapy and Physical Activity
