Physical Activity

Question 1

Define ‘physical activity’.

Answer 1

Any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that results in energy expenditure.

Question 2

Define ‘exercise’.

Answer 2

Regular & structured subset of physical activity, performed deliberately with specific purpose.

Question 3

Define ‘METS’.

Answer 3

METS (Metabolic equivalent) is the amount of oxygen required for a given activity in relation to sitting (1 MET).

Question 4

What is a subjective measurement of physical activity?

Answer 4

Questionnaires

Question 5

List features of subjective measurements of physical activity.

Answer 5

• Low cost and burden – can be used on large scale
• Often captures leisure time only (not e.g. occupational)
• Self-reported – relies on recall
• Relies on subjective rating of intensity
• Not suitable for <10 years

Question 6

What is important to consider when measuring physical activity subjectively?

Answer 6

• Reliability (IPAQ – 0.8)
• Criterion validity (IPAQ – 0.3)
• Population to be studied

Question 7

Give an example of an objective measurement of physical activity.

Answer 7

Accelerometer

Question 8

List features of measuring physical activities objectively.

Answer 8

• Captures free-living counts/movement
• Objective measure of sedentary time (ActiPAL)
• Usually worn over one week, all day
• Validated in patients, young children
• Can be used in large scale studies

Question 9

List negative issues associated with measuring physical activities objectively.

Answer 9

• Cost issues
• Doesn’t capture all activities (e.g. water based)
• No contextual information

Question 10

Describe primary prevention.

Answer 10

Reduces the risk of developing disease

Question 11

Describe secondary prevention.

Answer 11

Helps to reduce disease burden/symptoms, recurrence in people with existing conditions, e.g., cardiac patients, depression, cancer

Question 12

How is physical activity associated with CVD?

Answer 12

Being sufficiently physically active can reduce risk of CVD by 33%

Question 13

How does physical activity better the heart?

Answer 13

• Strengthens the heart muscle
• Promotes good collateral circulation (good oxygen flow to the heart muscle)

Question 14

How can physical activity reduce the risk of cancer?

Answer 14

• Can keep early abnormal cell growth in check
• Weight management / lower body fat
• Lower levels of oestrogen in the blood (endometrial and breast cell growth promoters)