Physical activity interventions

Michael Ussher

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511543579.083

Physical activity interventions

from Psychology, health and illness

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 December 2014

Edited by

John Weinman and

Michael Ussher: Affiliation:
St. George's, University of London
Susan Ayers: Affiliation:
University of Sussex
Andrew Baum: Affiliation:
University of Pittsburgh
Chris McManus: Affiliation:
St Mary's Hospital Medical School
Stanton Newman: Affiliation:
University College and Middlesex School of Medicine
Kenneth Wallston: Affiliation:
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
John Weinman: Affiliation:
United Medical and Dental Schools of Guy's and St Thomas's
Robert West: Affiliation:
St George's Hospital Medical School, University of London

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Summary

Introduction

Sedentary lifestyles are a global public health problem (World Health Organization (WHO), 2004). Those who are physically inactive have an increased risk of premature death and of developing major chronic diseases; including coronary heart disease, cancers and diabetes (Baumann, 2004). Physical activity (PA) refers to any bodily movement resulting in energy expenditure (Caspersen, 1989) and includes routine activities such as walking and housework, as well as structured exercise, sport and occupational activity. For general health benefits, it is recommended that adults accumulate a total of at least 30 minutes a day of at least moderate intensity PA on five or more days a week (Department of Health (DOH), 2004). Children are advised to accumulate at least 60 minutes of at least moderate intensity activity every day (DOH, 2004). Over the last 20 to 30 years PA levels have declined, largely due to a reduction in PA at work, in the home and as a means of transport (DOH, 2004). It is estimated that 60% to 85% of adults are insufficiently active to benefit their health and promoting PA is a priority for health policy in most developed nations (WHO, 2004).

This chapter provides an overview of the application of psychological theory in PA interventions. Discussion is mostly restricted to adult populations as very few studies have examined the effect of psychologically-based interventions on PA levels in children (Lewis et al., 2002).

Type: Chapter
Information: Cambridge Handbook of Psychology, Health and Medicine , pp. 375 - 379

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511543579.083 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2007

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Physical activity interventions

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