Reflections on Physical Activity and Health: What Should We Recommend?

Abstract

The health benefits of regular physical activity are irrefutable; virtually everyone can benefit from being active. The evidence is overwhelming with risk reductions of at least 20%-30% for more than 25 chronic medical conditions and premature mortality. Even higher risk reductions (ie, ≥ 50%) are observed when objective measures of physical fitness are taken. International physical activity guidelines generally recommend 150 minutes per week of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity. A critical review of the literature indicates that half of this volume of physical activity might lead to marked health benefits. There is compelling evidence to support health promotion strategies that emphasize that health benefits can be accrued at a lower volume and/or intensity of physical activity. Public health policies are needed that reduce the barriers to physical activity participation such that everyone can reap the benefits of physical activity. It is also important to highlight that sedentary time (particularly sitting time) carries independent health risks. The simple message of "move more and sit less" likely is more understandable by contemporary society and is formed on the basis of a strong body of evidence. For practitioners who work directly with clients, it is recommended that an individualized prescription (dosage) that takes into consideration the unique characteristics and needs of the client is provided. Physical activity or exercise promotion should not be done in isolation; it should be part of an integrated approach to enhance healthy lifestyle behaviours.

Evidence-based scientific exercise guidelines for adults with spinal cord injury: an update and a new guideline

“…The lower frequency and duration also reflects that people with SCI are less active and more physically deconditioned than most able-bodied adults [15,16]. As such, people with SCI can experience improvements in fitness and indices of cardiometabolic health from relatively small doses of exercise, similar to what has been found in apparently healthy but inactive individuals, people living with chronic disease, and people living with other disabilities [17]. This body of evidence from non-SCI populations also indicates that the same exercise prescription can lead to different responses in people with differing baseline PA, fitness, or health levels [17].…”

“…As such, people with SCI can experience improvements in fitness and indices of cardiometabolic health from relatively small doses of exercise, similar to what has been found in apparently healthy but inactive individuals, people living with chronic disease, and people living with other disabilities [17]. This body of evidence from non-SCI populations also indicates that the same exercise prescription can lead to different responses in people with differing baseline PA, fitness, or health levels [17]. Given insufficient SCI-specific evidence [17], it is not clear how such baseline differences influence fitness and cardiometabolic responses to the SCI guidelines.…”

“…This body of evidence from non-SCI populations also indicates that the same exercise prescription can lead to different responses in people with differing baseline PA, fitness, or health levels [17]. Given insufficient SCI-specific evidence [17], it is not clear how such baseline differences influence fitness and cardiometabolic responses to the SCI guidelines. Furthermore, regardless of baseline fitness and activity levels, physiological, autonomic and hormonal responses to exercise can differ between people with and without SCI, particularly in those with higher-level Fig.…”

“…Because people with SCI face tremendous physical, psychosocial and environmental barriers to PA [13,14], they are less active and more physically deconditioned than both the general population and individuals with many other types of disabilities [15,16]. These issues, coupled with 'overwhelming evidence' that people living with disability can achieve health benefits from activity levels well below the 150 min/week threshold [17], highlight the need to re-consider the appropriateness of promoting the 150 min/week guideline in the SCI population [18].…”

Prática de atividade física por idosos frequentadores de Unidades Básicas de Saúde

“…2,9,10 Identificando quais são os principais fatores associados com a busca da prática de atividade física ou seu impedimento, será possível estruturar e atuar com um melhor programa, que seja adequado a uma população de uma pequena cidade, visto que possui impedimentos diferentes das cidades grandes. 6 Posto isso, o presente estudo teve como objetivo identificar os fatores associados à atividade física de idosos usuários das UBS do município de Matelândia, Paraná, e verificar as principais barreiras para sua prática.…”