Making Sense of Multiple Physical Activity Recommendations

• Published in: President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Research Digest no. 19
• Main Authors: Corbin, Charles B, LeMasurier, Guy, Franks, B. Don
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: President's Council on Physical Fitness & Sports 01.12.2002
• Subjects: Guidelines; Health Behavior; Health Promotion; Intervention; Life Style; Physical Activities; Physical Activity Level; Public Health; Risk Reduction

This digest provides basic information designed to help people determine which of the many physical activity guidelines are most appropriate for use in specific situations. After an introduction, the digest focuses on: "Factors to Consider in Selecting Appropriate Physical Activity Guidelines" (group credibility and purpose, benefits to be expected if guidelines are followed, and people for whom the guidelines are intended); "Interpreting Existing Physical Activity Guidelines" (the early years: a fitness focus, and 1992 to the present: the emerging health focus); and "Making Sense of Current Recommendations": the physical activity pyramid, which offers one method of classifying guidelines and includes lifestyle physical activities; active aerobic, active sports, and recreational activities; muscle fitness and flexibility exercises; and inactivity; prevention of premature health problems; and other recommendations (e.g., physical activity recommendations for children). (Contains 34 references.) (SM)