Many of the most pressing societal health crises are caused by chronic diseases such as diabetes, depression, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, among others.
In this article we examine the extensive and important evidence gathered in two major studies into the impact of physical activity on health and chronic conditions.
Their findings paint a strikingly clear picture of the power of regular physical activity and the serious consequences of a sedentary lifestyle.
Two studies gathered a wealth of previous research on the impact of physical activity. They approached the topic from different angles. One examined the health effects of sedentary behavior—a life with little to no physical activity. The other analyzed the evidence that exercise is a treatment for a broad spectrum of chronic diseases.
The conclusions of both studies present a compelling and clear argument for the necessity of physical activity, not only for the health of the individual, but also for the future of humanity. Consider these conclusive statements from the studies on sedentary behavior and physical activity as a treatment, respectively:
“The vast evidence herein clearly establishes that physical inactivity affects nearly every cell, organ, and system in the body, leading to sedentary dysfunction and accelerated death. The vast multifactorial nature of dysfunction caused by sedentary behavior means that just as food and reproduction remain requirements for sustained human existence, physical activity is also a requirement for maximizing health and longevity. The only valid scientific therapeutic approach to fully address sedentary dysfunction is primary prevention with physical activity itself.”1
“In the medical world, it is common practice to prescribe the evidence-based treatment that is known to be most effective and has the least side effects or risks. The evidence suggests that in selected cases exercise therapy is as effective as medical treatment and in special situations more effective or enhances its effect. The accumulated knowledge is now so extensive that it must be implemented.”2
Short content
Two reviews of studies on the effects of sedentary behavior and physical activity concluded that physical activity is essential for good health and can serve as a treatment for many chronic conditions associated with sedentary behavior.
Below we discuss some specific diseases and conditions that these studies suggest can be caused by a sedentary lifestyle and treated with exercise.
Tension
A 2010 meta-analysis looked at 40 studies and concluded that physical exercise reduced anxiety symptoms in people with chronic illnesses2
Tension
Dementia
Hypertension
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Sarcopenia
Cancer
Short content
Chronic conditions such as anxiety, stress, dementia, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and sarcopenia are all associated with a sedentary lifestyle and can be treated with physical activity.
These studies also spoke to the direct link between physical activity and bone formation. As Wolff’s law describes, bone tissue changes in relation to how muscles are used. When you regularly perform weight-bearing exercises, that use stimulates the formation of new bone to support those activities.
A study of pre- and postmenopausal women found that sedentary participants lost bone from the lumbar spine and femoral neck at a rate of about 1% per year. The study authors concluded that sedentary behavior is a contributing factor to aging-related bone loss.1
In addition to healthier and stronger bones, physical training also increases muscle strength, which improves balance and reduces the risk of falls and possible bone fractures.
Short content
Sedentary lifestyle leads to bone loss. Physical activity stimulates bone formation. Exercise also increases muscle strength, which reduces the risk of falls by improving balance and strength.
A study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition followed 118 healthy older participants as they underwent five, seven, 10, and 14 days of bed rest.
The authors of the study noted that young adults and older adults responded differently to the sedentary behavior of bed rest. Older adults lost muscle mass faster than younger adults. The study shows how older adults are more susceptible to the harmful effects of sedentary behavior than younger people.3
Just as exercise stimulates physiological processes that increase strength and well-being, sedentarism initiates physical changes that make us weaker and more susceptible to chronic conditions, including osteoporosis. This fact makes exercise even more important as we age.
Short content
A study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition found that healthy older adults who undergo periods of bed rest lose muscle mass faster than younger adults. This highlights the fact that exercise becomes even more important as we age, as the effects of sedentary behavior kick in more quickly.
Being sedentary is a clear and direct threat to your bones, your well-being, and your life. The answer is physical activity—and there are countless ways to get and stay active.
The Save Institute created SaveTrainer to help you access and navigate the many options available to keep you active. Our digital video workout platform is designed to help you discover new ways to exercise easily and safely. You can use it to create a variety of fun home workouts, from yoga sessions to aerobic routines to resistance training. SaveTrainer has what you need to build your bones and extend your life.
Every day is a new opportunity to get active and reap the extensive health benefits of bone-strengthening exercise.
1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4241367/
2 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/sms.12581
3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8371327/
Introduction If you're an athlete or someone who leads an active lifestyle, you've likely heard…
Key Takeaways Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial for knee health Proper…
Ever finished a run and felt your knee throbbing? You're not alone. Many athletes face…
https://youtu.be/YRrppL1WuCw Introduction As a weight lifter, you're no stranger to pushing your body to its…
Ever wondered why some hikers seem to move easily on tough trails while others find…
Are you an active person dealing with knee pain that stops you from doing what…