The role of the hygienist in prevention and health promotion through physical activity: the contribute of the Working Group "Movement Sciences for Health" of the Italian Society of Hygiene.
Inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for chronic diseases morbidity and mortality, with high related costs. Exercise represents a useful instrument of preventive medicine due to its effects in maintaining and improving psycho-physical wellbeing at any age and condition. The promotion of physical activity may represent an important prevention strategy for public health, and it implies an interaction among several figures from health and wellbeing settings. Due to their competencies in prevention and health promotion, hygienists play a fundamental role as intermediary among the different actors involved in this multidisciplinary scenario. The Working Group "Movement Sciences for Health" of the Italian Society of Hygiene, established in 2009, is engaged in detailing, evaluating and strengthening the role of physical activity for health promotion. It combines rigorous research activities regarding human movement for health with their application in public health setting and with the evaluation of their sustainability. Its attention is also focused on the safety aspects related to structural conditions of sport facilities and to health conditions or behaviours of their users as well. These activities led to numerous scientific publications and training events.
Department of Movement and Wellbeing Sciences, Parthenope University, Naples, Italy.
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Liguori
Department of Movement and Wellbeing Sciences, Parthenope University, Naples, Italy.
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Gallé
Public Health Unit, University "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy.
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Valeriani
Public Health Unit, University "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy.
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Romano Spica
D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D007558:Italy; D009043:Motor Activity; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods*; D024382:Professional Role; D011634:Public Health; D012952:Societies
Health promotion; Hygiene; Physical activity; Public Health