Hardman, A. E., 2001, Physical activity and health: current issues and research needs, in: The International Journal of Epidemiology, 30, 5
- Author : Hardman, A. E.
- Year : 2001
- Journal/Series : The International Journal of Epidemiology
- Volume Number (ANNUAL: Counting Volumes of the Year shown above) : 5
- Volume Number (CONSECUTIVE: Counting all Volumes of this Journal ever published) : 30
- Pages : 1193-1197
- Abstract in English : A substantial body of evidence now demonstrates the burden of ill-health attributable to sedentary living. This is most compelling for coronary heart disease (CHD).This paper is concerned with future contributions by research to an evidence-based rationale for exercise recommendations—both to the public at large and to individuals. Most epidemiological studies have classified physical activities according to estimated energy expenditure—either totals or threshold rates. Recommendations to the public (whether direct or via health professionals), however, need to promote activities rather than energy expenditures. Walking is an obvious example. It is popular, inexpensive and carries a low risk of injury. It is often the most commonly reported activity, particularly among women and older men. In British civil servants brisk walking accounted for over half of the exercise which was protective against heart attack in 55–64-year-old men. In recent years more data has become available, however. In the US Nurses Health Study, for example, walking was inversely associated with coronary events; women in the highest quintile group for walking (more than 3 houre per week at a brisk pace) had a multivariate relative risk of 0.65 (95% CI : 0.47–0.91). Similarly, healthy older men in the Honolulu Heart Study who walked >1.5 miles per day had half the coronary risk of those who walked <0.25 miles per day. Walking has also been reported to be associated with a lower risk of type II diabetes These observations are consistent with reports that moderate levels of fitness, associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality, are attainable through brisk or fast walking. Walking is especially suitable for older people and the functional gains it elicits will likely improve quality of life. It is plainly acceptable for them, and carries a low risk of injury. Among older people, regular walking has been associated with lower rates of hospitalization, lower plasma triglycerides and higher bone mineral density Because it is accessible to all but the very frail, more information on the specific benefits from walking—according to pace and distance—is sorely needed.It is clear that physically active people have a lower disease risk than sedentary individuals but the components of activity which determine particular health gains are poorly understood. Conclusion: This is most compelling for coronary heart disease Physical inactivity is a waste of human potential for health and well-being and its high prevalence is a cause for concern. Its potential contribution to positive health (not merely the absence of disease but associated with a capacity to enjoy life and to withstand challenges) is considerable.
- Comments/Notes : KEYWORD: physical activity, health, walking. COMMENT: because health supporting qualities of walking landscape planning, -architecture, -design, and –management can and have to contribute to accessible, inviting and fascinating landscapes. http://ije.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/30/5/1193