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Physical activity is important for physical and mental wellbeing and keeping socially connected. A review of more than 50 published and ongoing studies funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) on ways to increase physical activity in everyday life considers the changing needs and opportunities of different age groups from infancy onwards, as well as considering interventions in the workplace and in the built and natural environments. The NIHR physical activity evidence review will be an invaluable tool to anyone working in practice or policy. Evidence should be one of the key building blocks for any decisions. It helps decision makers determine what works and what doesn’t, what should be commissioned and prioritized, and (equally important) what should be stopped, noted one researcher. The importance of physical activity to many aspects of physical and mental health and wellbeing is well understood. This report shows the depth and breadth of that understanding, and encourages us to consider how we can work with people and places to achieve the best possible impact. For example walking and cycling are among the best ways for many people to incorporate physical activity into their lives. We should emphasize the connection between foot and by cycle promotion with supporting social connectedness, reducing isolation, improving local amenity, and supporting access to jobs and services. There is no single solution and that what is effective to help us become and stay active depends on who we are, the environment we live in, and our wider social and cultural context. This review highlights an important and growing evidence base to support decision-makers. Findings in the NIHR review include: Community organizations and decision makers should consider the whole range of ways people can be physically active and avoid seeing physical activity solely in terms of sport and exercise. The largest and most sustainable benefits are likely to come from increasing activity as an incidental part of everyday routines. Programs tailored to particular individuals and groups can also be effective. Some features shared by many successful programmes are: encouraging people to use a diary or pedometer to monitor how active they are, increasing activity a little at a time, setting goals, and making the activity enjoyable and sociable. Beyond direct physical benefits, interventions to help people become more active can bring many co-benefits such as improved wellbeing, social connectedness, reduced street traffic and lower emissions, and more pleasant open spaces. More research is needed into adapting interventions to support particular groups that are likely to be less active. Source:https://www.news-medical.net/news/20190709/NIHR-review-reveals-evidence-on-how-to-increase-physical-activity-in-everyday-life.aspx Download PDF Copy National Institute for Health Research