Physical activity in Pakistani perspective: issues, implications, and recommendations

It has been established that the benefits of physical activity on physical, psychological and social aspects of humans are substantially correlated with cardiovascular disorders, obesity, cancer, social anxieties and depressions, and enhanced socio-economic profile. In children and adolescents, physical activity has been correlated with academic achievements, social harmony and mental health. Similarly, in adults/old people, physical activity has been of variable benefits, bringing the chances of prolonged healthier lives. Though substantial work has been reported globally, there still is a paucity of literature in Pakistan regarding various aspects of physical activity. The current narrative review was planned to summarise the research work conducted in, or has emanated from, Pakistan in teens/college/school and university students, and adults from Pakistan on associated aspects of physical activity, its present scenario, pitfalls, future horizons, and to ultimately deduce gaps in research areas which can be taken up for the directional approach to enhance physical activity within the Pakistani community.