PHYSIOTHERAPY AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY-A GLOBAL ACTION PLAN FOR HEALTHY LIVES
Sedentary behavior is one of the major factors that poses a significant public health issue in the World. Physical inactivity is considered a major risk factor for poor health and several diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, obesity, osteoporosis, and certain types of cancer.
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a devastating threat to the human society in terms of health, economy, and lifestyle. The social distancing and lockdown measures while aiming to control the spread of COVID-19 might have had a negative impact on health on those who remain healthy.
Therefore, the purpose of this session is to present - 1. the recommendations from current physical activity guidelines, 2. various factors associated with physical activity levels, and 3. facilitators and barriers to the assessment methods and interventions targeting physical activity in children, adults and older adults with or without certain neuromusculoskeletal disorders. The suggested action plan for promoting physical activity could be adopted by physiotherapists in low-resource and high-resource settings across the globe.
- To understand physical activity guidelines and highlight the need for (objective) physical activity assessment and promotion in physiotherapy practice across the globe.
- To explore and understand factors associated with physical activity of children, adults, and older adults in low-resource and high-resource settings.
- To understand facilitators and barriers, before and during COVID-19 pandemic, and promote the use of physical activity assessment and interventions by physiotherapists working in low-resource and high-resource settings.
