Article Text

Download PDFPDF
Stand up, sit down, keep moving: turning circles in physical activity research?
  1. W J Brown1,
  2. A E Bauman2,
  3. N Owen3
  1. 1
    School of Human Movement Studies, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
  2. 2
    School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
  3. 3
    School of Population Health, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
  1. Professor W Brown, School of Human Movement Studies, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; wbrown{at}hms.uq.edu.au

Abstract

This review tracks the evidence and associated recommendations and guidelines for optimal levels of physical activity for health benefit. In the 1950s, early epidemiological studies focused on the increased risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality associated with sitting at work. The period from the mid-seventies to the turn of the century saw an initial focus on the health benefits of vigorous exercise give way to mounting evidence for the benefits of moderate-intensity physical activity. As daily energy expenditure in most domains of human activity (travel, domestic and occupational work, and leisure) continues to decline, early 21st century researchers are starting to turn full circle, with a rekindling of interest in the health effects of sedentary behaviour at work, and indeed in the balance between activity and sedentariness in all aspects of daily life.

Statistics from Altmetric.com

Request Permissions

If you wish to reuse any or all of this article please use the link below which will take you to the Copyright Clearance Center’s RightsLink service. You will be able to get a quick price and instant permission to reuse the content in many different ways.

Footnotes

  • Competing interests: None.