Health benefits of a pedometer-based physical activity intervention in sedentary workers

This study presents the findings of a questionnaire-based investigation of knowledge about the relationship of physical activity to health among adolescent participants of a community-based physical activity intervention program in São Paulo, Brazil. Qualitative (inductive content analysis) and quantitative methods were applied to examine the participants responses to two open-ended questions concerning the health benefits of physical activity and the educational goals of the intervention. More than 75% of all participants stated that health benefits (of some type) are attained through participation in physical activity. More than 50% of participants reported that the goal of the intervention was to educate people about the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle. Adolescents understand the relationship of physical activity to health as reflected in their knowledge assessments; their lifestyle choices support these beliefs. These findings offer encouragement for the development and implementation of educationally oriented interventions aimed at providing physical activity information and programming.

Download Full-text

Physical Activity Among Persons Aging with Mobility Disabilities: Shaping a Research Agenda

Journal of Aging Research ◽

10.4061/2011/708510 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 2011 ◽

pp. 1-16 ◽

Cited By ~ 32

Author(s):

Dori E. Rosenberg ◽

Charles H. Bombardier ◽

Jeanne M. Hoffman ◽

Basia Belza

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Research Agenda ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Health Benefits ◽

Intervention Strategies ◽

Mobility Disability ◽

Aging Research ◽

Present Evidence ◽

Research Recommendations

With the aging of the baby boomer population and their accompanying burden of disease, future disability rates are expected to increase. This paper summarizes the state of the evidence regarding physical activity and aging for individuals with mobility disability and proposes a healthy aging research agenda for this population. Using a previously published framework, we present evidence in order to compile research recommendations in four areas focusing on older adults with mobility disability: (1) prevalence of physical activity, (2) health benefits of physical activity, (3) correlates of physical activity participation, and, (4) promising physical activity intervention strategies. Overall, findings show a dearth of research examining physical activity health benefits, correlates (demographic, psychological, social, and built environment), and interventions among persons aging with mobility disability. Further research is warranted.

Download Full-text

Exercise and Mental Health Benefits

Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Psychology ◽

10.1093/acrefore/9780190236557.013.196 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Aaron L. Slusher ◽

Edmund O. Acevedo

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Intervention Strategy ◽

Health Benefits ◽

Research Strategies ◽

Age Related ◽

Human Functioning ◽

Mental Health Benefits

Physical activity is essential for optimal human functioning. However, the emergence of modern lifestyle conveniences has contributed to the increased prevalence of sedentary behavior. As a result, the psychobiological nature of physical activity and the positive impact of physical activity on body and brain communication has prompted investigators to utilize a breadth of research strategies and techniques to identify physical activity regimes, associated mental health benefits, and the plausible mechanisms that explain the mental health adaptations. Furthermore, investigators have provided evidence supporting a number of mechanisms that at least partially explain the psychological adaptations to acute (a single bout) and chronic (long-term) physical activity intervention. Through these efforts, the observed efficacy of physical activity as a potential therapeutic intervention strategy to ameliorate the most prevalent mental disorders (i.e., anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia), and to enhance mental illness-related and age-related impairments of cognitive function has received some attention in the literature and will likely lead to clarity and confidence for clinical use.

Download Full-text