Physical activity, physical fitness and prevention: Role for the working population

Abstract

Introduction: Physical inactivity and increasing daily screen time is an emerging health problem within the working population as well in the general population worldwide. This is called the exercise deficiency syndrom (EDS).On the other hand a large number of single studies as well of meta-analysis strongly support the positive health effects of regular physical activity. Discussion: Regular physical activity (PA) is now widely accepted as one of the most important factors to maintain or improve health and to prevent numerous non-communicable diseases. PA reduces risks of all-cause-and cardiovascular morbidity, mortality. Therefore, PA is a cornerstone in prevention and therapy of many diseases thus improving quality of life and longevity. PA also counteracts the effects of sitting time and sedentary lifestyle (EDS). PA acts like a drug: there are many indications, a non-linear doseresponse curve, many somatic and psychosomatic effects, few side effects and contraindications. Similar results can be observed for physical fitness assessed by maximal watt or Vo2 max in exercise testing. PA therefore is the real polypill for prevention and therapy of many diseases. Conclusion: There is now a general agreement and convincing evidence that regular PA including daily life activities are essentials for maintaining health in the working age population. For staying health and preserving health, everybody should reduce or avoid the four main risk factors: no smoking, regular PA, healthy diet and normal body weight.