December/January 2021/2022 (vol. 18/4)

ContentsFeaturesNewsLegal NewsResearch DigestResearch PlusCPD

The ‘physical activity paradox’

Summary:

The WHO maxim that ‘every move counts’ in promoting long-term health holds true for physical activity done in leisure time, but apparently not when it is part of your daily grind.

The World Health Organization said ‘Every move counts’1, at the launch of its 2020 guidelines on physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour2. Regular PA, it said, is key to preventing and managing heart disease, type-2 diabetes and cancer, as well as reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, lessening cognitive decline, improving memory and boosting brain health. ‘All physical activity is beneficial and can be done as part of work, sport and leisure or transport (eg walking or cycling), but also through dance, play and everyday household tasks, like gardening and cleaning,’ it said1. But a recent meta-analysis3, suggests that while leisure-time PA has clear health benefits…

John Ballard, editor

Author: Ballard J

Occupational Health at Work December/January 2021/2022 (vol. 18/4) pp03

Download full article