{"id":427,"date":"2020-10-26T12:57:08","date_gmt":"2020-10-26T12:57:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/integrativa.pt\/?p=427"},"modified":"2026-02-01T17:59:25","modified_gmt":"2026-02-01T17:59:25","slug":"physical-activity-and-health-the-importance-of-movement-throughout-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/integrativa.pt\/en\/atividade-fisica-e-saude-a-importancia-do-movimento-ao-longo-da-vida\/","title":{"rendered":"Physical activity and health: the importance of movement throughout life"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Physical inactivity is currently recognised as one of the main public health challenges. According to data from the World Health Organisation, the percentage of sedentary or inactive adults is between 60% and 85% in several countries. The modern lifestyle, characterised by long periods of sitting and low levels of daily movement, contributes to this scenario, with a significant impact on the physical and mental health of the population.<\/p>\n

Movement as the body's basic need<\/h4>\n

Movement accompanies human beings throughout their lives. Developing and maintaining some level of physical activity is a basic necessity for overall well-being, and is an important factor in preventing the effects associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Regular physical activity has been associated with improvements in various health indicators and a lower likelihood of developing chronic non-communicable diseases.<\/p>\n

Movement from an evolutionary perspective<\/h4>\n

Throughout human evolution, the body has been continuously exposed to different forms of movement, such as walking, running, climbing and carrying loads, in a context characterised by constant physical and environmental demands. This prolonged exposure to effort has contributed to the organisation and development of the body's systems, enabling efficient adaptive responses to survival needs. Anthropological evidence suggests that many anatomical and functional characteristics of the human being result from this close relationship between movement and adaptation to the environment.<\/p>\n

Research indicates that movement has played an important role not only in the evolution of the musculoskeletal system, but also in the structure and functioning of the brain. The human body seems to have evolved to tolerate prolonged periods of cardiovascular exertion and regular physical activity is associated with positive changes in neuronal processes, including synaptic plasticity, neurotransmitter regulation and modulation of inflammation. Even in a profoundly different modern context, movement maintains an important role in biological regulation, cognitive health and the overall balance of the organism throughout life.<\/p>\n

Movement, human evolution and brain function<\/h4>\n

From an evolutionary point of view, the human body has developed in close relationship with movement. Walking, running, climbing and carrying loads have been part of our species' adaptation over thousands of years. Research suggests that movement has played an important role not only in musculoskeletal structure, but also in the development and functioning of the brain.<\/p>\n

Regular physical activity is associated with positive changes in neuronal plasticity, neurotransmitter regulation and modulation of systemic inflammation, with an impact on cognitive and emotional health.<\/p>\n

Scientific evidence and the benefits of physical activity<\/h4>\n

In recent years, scientific research has linked adequate levels of physical activity with a reduced risk of various conditions, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic alterations, cognitive decline and some types of cancer. Studies also suggest that physical exercise can positively influence the inflammatory response and the function of the immune system, contributing to the body's greater ability to adapt to stressful situations. stress<\/em> physiological.<\/p>\n

Promoting physical activity in public health<\/h4>\n

With the aim of promoting more active lifestyles, the Directorate-General for Health, in conjunction with the World Health Organisation, has developed the National Programme for the Promotion of Physical Activity. This programme seeks to make the population aware of the importance of regular movement and to encourage policies that favour the reduction of sedentary lifestyles, recognising that recommendations should be adjusted to age, physical condition and individual context.<\/p>\n

Recommendations throughout the life cycle<\/h4>\n