Physical activity and salutogenesis: a necessary dialogue

Area of Science:

• Health Promotion
• Salutogenesis
• Physical Activity Research

Background:

• Traditional health models focus on disease (pathogenesis).
• Salutogenesis emphasizes health origins and promotion.
• Aaron Antonovsky's theory centers on the sense of coherence (SOC).

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the relationship between physical activity and salutogenesis.
• To apply the salutogenesis framework to physical activity and health.
• To broaden the dialogue on physical activity and health from a salutogenesis perspective.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual essay and literature review.
• Exploration of salutogenesis theory and its components (SOC).
• Analysis of studies linking physical activity and SOC.

Main Results:

• A strengthened sense of coherence (SOC) is associated with sustained physical activity.
• The relationship between SOC and physical activity is complex, influenced by contextual, cognitive, and affective factors.
• Salutogenesis offers a promising framework for understanding physical activity and health.

Conclusions:

• Salutogenesis provides a valuable lens for understanding physical activity's role in health.
• Further research in Brazil is recommended to explore this perspective.
• Integrating salutogenesis can guide a new understanding of physical activity and health promotion.