DECLINING LEVELS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND OR SPORT

Researching at national level

What is physical activity

‘Physical activity’ is any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure

Examples of Physical activity

Leisure

Incidental

Muscle strenthening

  • swimming
  • tennis
  • hiking/walking
  • gym
  • yoga/pilates
  • resistance band training
  • high intensity activities
  • weight training
  • active playgrounds for children
  • at work
  • active transport
  • household chores

Physical activity guidelines

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Insufficient Physical activity

Low levels of physical activity are a major risk factor for chronic conditions. People who do not do sufficient physical activity have a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis. Being physically active improves mental and musculoskeletal health and reduces other risk factors such as overweight and obesity, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol.

In 2015, 2.5% of the total disease burden was due to physical inactivity (AIHW 2019). Physical inactivity contributed 10–20% of the individual disease burden from diabetes, bowel cancer, uterine cancer, dementia, breast cancer, coronary heart disease and stroke (AIHW 2019)

Too many Australians are not active enough for various reasons, including poor health, injury and lack of time.

COVID-19 has added extra barriers to being active, especially for organised sport. Health concerns and restrictions – like school closures, gym closures and lockdowns – mean Australians had to change how, and how often, they are active.

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