Abstract

VIDARTE CLAROS, José Armando; VELEZ ALVAREZ, Consuelo; SANDOVAL CUELLAR, Carolina  and  ALFONSO MORA, Margareth Lorena. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: A HEALTH PROMOTION STRATEGY. Hacia promoc. Salud [online]. 2011, vol.16, n.1, pp.202-218. ISSN 0121-7577.

Objective: this paper conceptualizes on the definition of physical activity, its prevalence and direct relation with the strategies developed from the health promotion viewpoint. Methodology: scientific literature review including specialized data on health issues (Ovid, Proquest, Hinary, Springer, among others) in which physical activity and health promotion variables are approached as search parameters. Likewise, experts contributions about the areas mentioned above were taken into consideration. Results: physical activity presents definitions and judgments about the increase in energy consumption over the basal rate as well as attitudes concerning physical activity from health, therapy, sports training and education viewpoints. Regarding the prevalence of physical activity very low percentages of the population are reported to practice physically activities, which become a mandatory target to be approached from national and international bodies related to physical activity and health promotion through effective intervention strategies which allow for the improvement of the quality of life. Conclusions: this review allows the reader to visualize the different approaches and topics of physical activity and its relationship with the raise of public awareness processes, empowerment and self-regulation regarding the quality of life of individuals and the community, with the simple aim of internalizing the practice of physical activity as a complement to their life.

Keywords : Physical education and training; prevalence; health promotion (Descriptors Decs).

        · abstract in Spanish | Portuguese     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )