Although research interest on physical
activity and health dates back to the 1950s, the breakthrough in the scientific
evidence on health benefits of physical activity largely took place during the
1980s and 1990s. There is an overwhelming amount of scientific evidence on the
positive effects of sport and physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle.
The positive, direct effects of engaging in regular physical activity are
particularly apparent in the prevention of several chronic diseases, including:
cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, obesity, depression and
osteoporosis.
The Report from the United Nations
Inter-Agency Task Force on Sport for Development and Peace states that young
people can benefit from physical activity as it contributes to developing
healthy bones, efficient heart and lung function as well as improved motor
skills and cognitive function. Physical activity can help to prevent hip
fractures among women and reduce the effects of osteoporosis. Remaining
physically active can enhance functional capacity among older people, and can
help to maintain quality of life and independence.
Physical activity and psychosocial health
The WHO has estimated that “one in four
patients visiting a health service has at least one mental, neurological or
behavioural disorder, but most of these disorders are neither diagnosed nor
treated”. A number of studies have shown that exercise may play a
therapeutic role in addressing a number of psychological disorders. Studies
also show that exercise has a positive influence on depression. Physical
self-worth and physical self-perception, including body image, has been linked
to improved self-esteem. The evidence relating to health benefits of physical
activity predominantly focuses on intra-personal factors such as physiological,
cognitive and affective benefits, however, that does not exclude the social and
inter-personal benefits of sport and physical activity which can also produce
positive health effects in individuals and communities.
Sport and physical activity as part of a
healthy lifestyle
A number of factors influence the way in which
sport and physical activity impacts on health in different populations. Sport
and physical activity in itself may not directly lead to benefits but, in
combination with other factors, can promote healthy lifestyles. There is
evidence to suggest that changes in the environment can have a significant
impact on opportunities for participation and in addition, the conditions
under which the activity is taking place can heavily impact on health outcomes.
Elements that may be determinants on health include nutrition, intensity and
type of physical activity, appropriate footwear and clothing, climate, injury,
stress levels and sleep patterns.
Sport and physical activity can make a substantial contribution to the well-being of people in developing countries. Exercise, physical activity and sport have long been used in the treatment and rehabilitation of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Physical activity for individuals is a strong means for the prevention of diseases and for nations is a cost-effective method to improve public health across populations.
Sport and physical activity can make a substantial contribution to the well-being of people in developing countries. Exercise, physical activity and sport have long been used in the treatment and rehabilitation of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Physical activity for individuals is a strong means for the prevention of diseases and for nations is a cost-effective method to improve public health across populations.
0 comments:
Post a Comment