Unit 1 – The Human Body in Motion

AREA OF STUDY 1 - HOW DOES THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM WORK TO PRODUCE MOVEMENT?

Physical Activity, Sport & Exercise

AREA OF STUDY 1 - HOW DOES THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM WORK TO PRODUCE MOVEMENT?

Physical Activity

Physical Activity - is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure.

Physical Inactivity - is a term used to identify people who do not get the recommended level of regular physical activity.

Sedentary Behaviour - is a term used to describe time spent doing physically inactive tasks that do not require a lot of energy.

Physical Fitness - is a general state of health and well-being and, more specifically, the ability to perform aspects of sports, occupations and daily activities, without undue fatigue.

Forms of Physical Activity

Play – engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose.

Games – a structured form of play undertaken for enjoyment.

Sport - an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others.

Exercise – activity requiring physical effort, carried out to sustain or improve health and fitness.

Social Influences on Participation in Physical Activity

Family – research indicates that parental encouragement and a supportive family environment is strongly associated with children’s and adolescents’ participation in physical activity.

Peers – studies have found that the presence of a friend increased youth’s motivation to be physically active as well as influencing the type of activity undertaken.

Schools - school-based physical activity programming, such as physical education and sport, develop positive physical activity messages and promote active lifestyles.

Teachers - teach skills and activities that transfer into physical activity outside of physical education class, motivate children to be physically active and provide the building blocks for a lifetime of physical activity.

Social Influences on Participation in Physical Activity

Level of Education – individuals with higher levels of education are more aware of the health benefits of physical activity and are more likely to be physically active.

Media – media can promote the benefits of physical activity and provide information on the various opportunities available to be physically active.

Cultural Influences on Participation in Physical Activity

Ethnicity - taking up a sport or activity may be influenced by ethnic background.

Cultural Values – can influence the value placed on physical activity as well as impact on actual participation in physical activity through restrictive beliefs.

Socio-Economic Status - studies repeatedly find that men and women from low socio-economic groups have a higher incidence of sedentary behaviour or insufficient physical activity to benefit health, lack of knowledge of benefits of physical activity and reduced opportunities to be active due to lack of money are major barriers.

Influences on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour

Participation in physical activity is recognised as an important factor in the level of an individual’s physical and mental health.

A range of factors shape an individual’s physical activity behaviour. These influences can be classified into enablers and barriers.

Enabler – something that makes or encourages someone to be physically active.

Barrier - something that blocks or has a negative effect on someone being physically active.

Enablers to Participation in Physical Activity

Individual Factors Maintain / improve

health

Enjoyment

Positive self concept

Success

Social networks and support

Built Environment Factors Safe environment (walking

paths, bicycle lanes)

Provision of easily accessible green spaces

Proximity to community and commercial fitness/commercial facilities

Safe and user friendly exercise areas

Social and Cultural Factors Positive role modeling from

parents

Positive peer attitudes to participation in physical activity

Promotion of a sporting activity from within a cultural group

Socio-economic status / higher disposable income / higher level of education / greater access to facilities

Barriers to Participation in Physical Activity

Individual Factors Lack of time

Injury or disability

Lack of social support

Lack of enjoyment

Poor self concept

Built Environment Factors Provision of footpaths and a

safe road environment

Provision of green spaces in the environment

Proximity to facilities –compounded for people living in remote locations

Social and Cultural Factors Cost of participating in physical

activity Changing lifestyles increasing

levels of sedentary behaviour(increased labour saving devices, increase use of electronic media in leisure time)

Increased car ownership Increased control by parents of

children’s play habits Non exclusiveness of sporting

environments Lack of social connectedness

Barriers to Participation in Physical Activity

Cultural Diversity People born overseas

are more likely to have sedentary or low exercise levels.

46% of children born in non-English speaking countries do not participate in sport compared to 25% of children born in Australia. (ABS 2009)

Indigenous Background Indigenous Australians are

less likely to be physically active than non- Indigenous Australians

Over half (51%) of Indigenous people living in non-remote parts of Australia aged 15 and over do very little or no exercise, compared with 33% of non-Indigenous Australians (AIHW 2011a).

Socioeconomic Status Men and women from low

socioeconomic groups have a higher incidence of sedentary behaviour or insufficient physical activity to benefit health.

People living in the most disadvantaged areas in Australia are nearly twice as likely to be sedentary (45.4%) as people living in the least disadvantaged areas (24.9%) (AIHW 2010).

Health Benefits of Physical Activity

Participation in physical activity is a key means of improving the physical health and mental well being of individuals.

Participation in physical activity can promote health and prevent the onset of diseases including:- cardiovascular disease

type 2 diabetes

osteoporosis

forms of cancer

obesity

injury

Participation in physical activity can promote mental health by:- reducing depression, stress and anxiety

improved self confidence and self esteem

increased energy levels

better sleep patterns

improved concentration

higher cognitive functioning

FITT Principles Related to Australia’s Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines

Age Group Frequency Intensity Time Type5 – 12 years Every day Moderate to vigorous 60 minutes per day Aerobic activity, activities to

strengthen muscles and bones 3 times per week

13 – 17 years Every day Moderate to vigorous 60 minutes per day Aerobic activity, activities to strengthen muscles and bones 3

times per week

18 – 64 years Most - everyday Moderate – vigorous (time dependent)

150 to 300 minutemoderate intensity or

75 to 150 minutes vigorous intensity or

combination of both

A range of aerobic activities(walking/cycling), muscle

strengthening 2 times per week

65+ Everyday Moderate 30 minutes Incorporate fitness, strength, balance and flexibility activities.

Revision Questions

3. List four physical, social or mental health benefits of participating in exercise.

4. Explain how a social influence such as a supportive family environment can be an ‘enabler’ to movement and physical activity..

1. Define and give two examples of:-• physical activity

• sedentary behavior

2. Explain the difference between sport and exercise.

Revision Questions

3. List four physical, social or mental health benefits of participating in exercise.

Benefits of exercise - improved fitness / improved physical health / mental wellbeing / weight control / sleep / concentration / reduction in disease / increased lean body mass / self esteem

/ socialisation / improved moods / increased energy / posture / reduced stress 4. Explain how a social influence such as a

supportive family environment can be an ‘enabler’ to movement and physical activity.

Pressure from peers or friends can be a barrier if negative attitudes and a lack of support are prevalent. Pressure to conform to a non active lifestyle because physical activity may be seen as uncool or unpopular may lead to an individual

not participating in physical activity, sport or exercise to fit in with their peers and avoid ridicule.

1. Define and give two examples of:-• physical activityA movement of the body as a result of muscular contractions that elevates the heart rate and expends energy above that of resting. Eg. household chores / active transport / exercise • sedentary behaviourWaking time spent lying or sitting ( energy expenditure less than 1.5 METs ) e.g. watching TV

/ playstation / reading 2. Explain the difference between sport and exercise.

Sport is a competitive physical activity involving a physical exertion, skill, tactics and rules whilst exercise is a physical exertion or conditioning undertaken to improve fitness and health.