Definitions and Key Concepts

Question 1

Definition of PA

Answer 1

Physical activities are any bodily movements produced by skeletal muscle that result in energy expenditure. The energy expenditure can be measured in kilocalories. Physical activity in daily life can be categorized into occupational, sports, conditioning, household, or other activities. (Caspersen et al.,1985)

Question 2

What is the spectrum for PA?

Answer 2

Sedentary - light - moderate - vigorous - very vigorous

Question 3

Definition of Exercie

Answer 3

Exercise is a subset of physical activity that is planned, structures, and repetitive and has as a final or an intermediate objective the improvement or maintenance of physical fitness. (Caspersen et al.,1985)

Question 4

Definition of Fitness

Answer 4

Physical fitness is a set of attributes that are either health – or skill-related. The degree to which people have these attributes can be measured with specific tests (balance, weight etc). (Caspersen et al.,1985)

Question 5

Definition of Sedentary

Answer 5

Sedentary behaviour is defined as any waking behaviour characterized by an energy expenditure ≤1.5 metabolic equivalents (METs – how much energy you use when you’re in an activity) –, while in a sitting, reclining, or lying posture.

Question 6

Definition of Health

Answer 6

“…the extent to which an individual or group is able, on one hand, to realise aspirations and satisfy needs and on the others hand, to change or cope with the environment. Health is therefore seen as a resource for everyday life not the objective of living; it is a positive concept emphasising social and personal resources as well as physical capabilities. (WHO; 1984)

Question 7

What are the dimensions of health?

Answer 7

Physical, mental, social, sexual, spiritual, and emotional health