HEALTH BENEFITS

Cardiovascular Disease

The evidence for the importance of physical activity in the prevention of cardiovascular disease is the most numerous and consistent for all research into the role of physical activity in preventing chronic conditions. Participation in moderate levels of physical activity has been found to reduce the risk of a coronary event by as much as 40%.  For those participating in more vigorous activity, the reduction in risk may be reduced up to 50%. Participation in at least moderate levels of physical activity impacts favourably on other coronary risk factors by reducing the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), ischaemia (restriction of blood supply), high blood pressure, and thrombosis (the formation of a clot within the blood vessel). 

Stroke

Generally, there are two types of stroke; ischaemic and haemorrhagic.  There is no relationship between physical activity and the prevention of haemorrhagic strokes.  However, participation in at least moderate levels of physical activity can decrease the risk of ischaemic stroke by up to 30%. 

Diabetes

Over 85% of all cases of diabetes in Australian adults are type 2, non-insulin dependent.  The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has more than doubled since 1981.  Type 2 diabetes is strongly linked with overweight and obesity. Physical activity can have an important role in both the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes but only if participation is regular.  Participation in moderate and vigorous levels of physical activity reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 35%.  It is thought the mechanism for this may be the positive effect of physical activity on glucose tolerance and carbohydrate metabolism. Physical activity is also important in the management of type 2 diabetes.  In those with type 2 diabetes, physical activity may improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity and prevent increases in heart disease. 

Cancer

The evidence about the association between physical activity and cancer is mixed.  Studies have shown the benefits of physical activity are derived from both leisure time and work related physical activity. The strongest evidence for the role of physical activity in cancer prevention relates to colon cancer. Physical inactivity is thought to be the cause in up to one fifth of all incidences of colon cancer. Moderate level physical activity can reduce the risk of colon cancer by up to 40%, depending on age. The next strongest association is seen with breast cancer.  Studies have shown that the relative risk of physically inactive women developing breast cancer is 1.3 times greater than for physically active women. 

Musculoskeletal

There is some evidence that suggests participation in moderate levels of exercise may help alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and reduce the swelling around the joints.  Additionally, an association has been found between participation in physical activity and improved functional and psychosocial status in arthritis sufferers. Physical activity has also been linked with the prevention of osteoporosis.  Osteoporosis occurs in individuals with low bone density which results in a situation whereby the individual becomes more susceptible to bone fractures.  Studies suggest that moderate to vigorous physical activity is necessary for the development of healthy bones.  This is particularly important during childhood and adolescence as this is the time when lifelong bone development is occurring. Furthermore, participation in physical activity, particularly strength training, has been shown to provide older adults with the ability to maintain independent living and reduce the risk of falls.  Regular activity and strength training assist to maintain balance, flexibility and coordination, contributing to a reduction in the risk of falling. 

Mental Health

No causative link has been found between physical activity and mental health conditions such as depression.  However, both occupational and leisure time physical activity have been linked with a reduction in the severity of depressive symptoms and anxiety and stress. 

Increased Quality of Life

Long-term participation in physical activity has been linked with enhanced physical functioning, postponed disability and the ability to continue independent living in the very elderly.  In fact, studies have estimated that individuals who are physically active may remain disability-free for up to five years longer during the aging process than those who are inactive. 

Source: Queensland Health 2003, Health Priorities: The Role of Physical Activity, Queensland Government, Brisbane.

HEALTH SAVINGS

The World Health Organisation developed a measure to assess the ‘global burden of disease’ based on ‘disability-adjusted life years’ (DALYs).  These are based not only on mortality but also on disability, premature loss of life, and quality of life. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare conducted a study into the burden of disease in Australia.  This study showed that based on DALYs, physical inactivity ranked second, after tobacco, in terms of the contribution to the ill-health of Australians. Conservative estimates placed the direct cost of physical inactivity for six conditions; coronary heart disease, stroke, colon cancer, type 2 diabetes, breast cancer and mental health at $377 million per annum.  This estimate did not include indirect costs, such as the value of human life or loss of productivity resulting from illness, or the intangible costs such as the cost of quality of life to the afflicted individual and their family. 

Source:  Stephenson, J, Bauman, A, Armstrong, T, Smith, B & Bellew, B 2000, The Cost of Illness Attributable to Physical Inactivity in Australia: A preliminary study, Population Health Division Publications, Canberra.

Tasmanian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance 

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