Health-enhancing physical activity and the preventionof chronic diseases--an epidemiological review.
OBJECTIVE
To review the epidemiological evidence on the health-enhancing physical activity recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College for Sports Medicine (ACSM).


METHODS
Review of papers written in English and German, issued after the release of the CDC/ACSM recommendation (i.e. after 1995), restricted to adults and to their physical health. Due to the large body of published data, no systematic review was performed. Instead, a representative cross-section of the published studies is presented.


RESULTS
The international epidemiological evidence supports the CDC/ACSM recommendation as a reasonable public health message.


CONCLUSIONS
According to this recommendation, the daily accumulation of 30 minutes of physical activity of moderate intensity - independent of the context of physical activity (e.g. transport, leisure) - provides substantial benefits across a broad range of health outcomes for sedentary men and women. Nevertheless some controversial issues need further address.
Bucksch
Jens
J
Department of Human and Health Studies, University of Bremen, Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research, Bremen, Germany. jbucksch@uni-bremen.de
Schlicht
Wolfgang
W
D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D011634:Public Health; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors