Physical activity has been promoted to improve health for decades. A summary of the health benefits and physical activity recommendations gained national support in the 1996 landmark publication of the Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health. Specific physical activity recommendations have evolved from vigorous exercise for cardiovascular fitness to an accumulation of moderately intense activities (eg, brisk walking) for general health benefits. The current recommendations make it easier and more appropriate for the general population to achieve them, but less than half of the adults in the United States meet these criteria.Despite public health efforts, about 25% of adults report no leisure-time physical activity at all.There is also growing concern over the amount of daily sedentary time, as evidence points to detrimental health effects independent of physical activity.
展开▼
