[Criteria and function of rational physical activity in prevention and therapy]

The function of physical activity is throughout ontogenesis an important factor participating in health and fitness. Correct indication as regards quality and quantity of physical loads are the baseline for general and special prevention as well as for therapy by physical activity. The latter is becoming an important complementary factor of comprehensive therapy and therefore physiological criteria must be used as a basis for the selection of forms, contents and intensity, similarly as in any other type of medical approach. The author lists types of physical activity and criteria.