Physical Activity and Guidelines

Sport Engagement and Information Processing

In this course, Dr Max Western (University of Bath) explores sport engagement and the information processing model. In the first lecture, we think about physical activity and the guidelines surrounding it. In the second lecture, we think about the factors influencing participation in physical activity and sport. Next, we think about strategies to improve participation in physical activity and sport. In the fourth and final lecture, we think about the information processing model, reviewing its four stages and their applicability to a range of sporting scenarios. Photo by Chris on Unsplash

Physical Activity and Guidelines

In this lecture, we think about physical activity and the guidelines surrounding it, focusing in particular on: (i) defining physical activity as movement brought about by the skeletal muscles which expends energy above that of rest; (ii) defining exercise as structured physical activity, often with the goal of improving an aspect of fitness; (iii) defining sport as structured physical activity governed by rules and regulations, with an element of competition; (iv) sedentary time, defined as time spent undertaking activities involving little to no physical exertion; (v) key benefits of regular physical activity, including preventing chronic diseases, reducing cognitive decline, preventing physical frailty and improving mental health; (vi) World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for moderate to vigorous physical activity, recommending adults undertake 150 minutes per week and children 60 minutes per day; (vii) the Sport England Active Lives survey, which found that 63% of adults met the guidelines for physical activity engagement; (viii) findings that, in general, levels of physical activity decrease with age; (ix) findings that males are the most active gender; (x) demographic differences in physical activity levels in adults and children, including age, gender, disability status, socioeconomic status and ethnicity.