In response to the urgent need to address physical inactivity levels worldwide, WHO developed the Global action plan on physical activity 2018–2030 (GAPPA): more active people for a healthier world, and supports countries and stakeholders to implement these actions across the four key areas;
Global policy and standards, underpinned by latest evidence and consensus, are updated to help countries develop appropriate policies, investment cases and financing mechanisms to increase levels of physical activity among all populations.
Global tools and resources include toolkits to promote key activities, such as walking and cycling; integrating physical activity into primary health care; and innovations using digital platforms to help change behaviours.
Coordination and collaboration with the sports, transport and environment sectors, strengthen “sport for all” initiatives and ensure urban design and transport systems provide safe places and opportunities for physical activity for everyone.
Monitoring global progress through instruments such as Global physical activity questionnaire (GPAQ) and the Global school-based student health survey (GSHS) help countries assess behavioural risk factors relating to physical activity. WHO reports to the World Health Assembly on the global progress to increase physical activity by 15% by 2030, and GAPPA milestones of 2021, 2026, and 2030
Physical activity
Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that require energy expenditure. Popular ways to be active are through walking, cycling, sports and recreation, and can be done at any level of skill and for enjoyment. Regular and adequate levels of physical activity:
- improve muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness;
- improve bone and functional health;
- reduce the risk of hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, various types of cancer (including breast cancer and colon cancer), and depression;
- reduce the risk of falls as well as hip or vertebral fractures; and
- are fundamental to energy balance and weight control.
The term "physical activity" should not be confused with "exercise", which is a subcategory of physical activity that is planned, structured, repetitive, and aims to improve or maintain one or more components of physical fitness. Beyond exercise, any other physical activity that is done during leisure time, for transport to get to and from places, or as part of a person’s work, has a health benefit.
Increasing physical activity is not just an individual issue. It requires a whole of society and culturally relevant approach and therefore demands a collective effort across different sectors and disciplines.
- Log in to post comments
- 5 views