title: The Evolution of Physical Activity Promotion.
abstract: A physically active lifestyle has numerous physical and mental health benefits for patients of all ages. Despite these significant benefits, a majority of Americans do not meet current physical activity guidelines. Health care providers, especially nurses, play a vital role in physical activity promotion. Over the past several decades, exercise and physical activity guidelines have evolved from a focus on structured, vigorous exercise to a focus on moderate-intensity "lifestyle" physical activity. The author updates nurses on physical activity guidelines and provides tips for promoting physical activity, with a focus on lifestyle activities such as walking to work. This article also addresses new research findings on the importance of decreasing sedentary and sitting time, even in physically active people.
authors.affiliation: Elizabeth Ann Richards is an assistant professor in the Purdue University School of Nursing, West Lafayette, IN. Contact author: erichards@purdue.edu. The author has disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
authors.forename: Elizabeth Ann
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Richards
mesh_terms: D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D009043:Motor Activity; D024802:Nurse's Role; D014481:United States