Let Us Talk About Moving: Reframing the Exercise and Physical Activity Discussion

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Preventive Medicine
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are chronic, long-term conditions with slow progression, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.
• Despite extensive evidence on the benefits of physical activity (PA), current healthcare practices often fail to effectively integrate PA and exercise guidance.
• There's a recognized incongruence between the proven benefits of physical movement and its messaging and integration within healthcare systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose an alternative model for promoting, assessing, discussing, and prescribing physical movement within healthcare.
• To reconceptualize the approach to evaluating and treating chronic diseases by emphasizing movement.
• To highlight the concept of 'movement as medicine' to combat the growing threat of chronic diseases.

Main Methods:

• This perspective paper outlines a conceptual model, not an empirical study.
• It reviews existing evidence on the benefits of physical movement and current healthcare practices.
• The paper advocates for a shift from a sedentary to a movement phenotype.

Main Results:

• The current approach to PA and exercise in healthcare may be suboptimal.
• A shift towards a movement-centric approach is strongly supported by evidence.
• Reconceptualizing healthcare to prioritize movement can enhance chronic disease management.

Conclusions:

• Movement is a powerful, evidence-based intervention for chronic disease prevention and management.
• An updated model is needed to effectively promote, assess, and prescribe physical movement in clinical settings.
• Adopting a 'movement as medicine' paradigm is essential for a proactive, preventive healthcare future.