Physical activity vs. physical inactivity

Key Focus: Physical activity vs. inactivity

Physical activity and exercise play an important role in health prevention and restoration. On the other hand, physical inactivity has emerged as a critical global health challenge, significantly contributing to the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that physical inactivity is a primary, modifiable risk factor for NCDs and mortality being responsible for approximately 6% of deaths worldwide.

This trend is particularly concerning given the rapid urbanization and the increasing adoption of sedentary lifestyles in many regions. Reliance on technology, both at work and for leisure, has reduced physical movement in daily life, while limited access to safe, accessible spaces for physical activity has compounded this issue, particularly in urban and low-income settings.

In response, governments and organizations worldwide are implementing policies and initiatives to encourage physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior. Strategies promotes public awareness campaigns, and incorporating physical activity into education and healthcare systems.

Physical inactivity is not only a pressing issue on Earth but also in space, where the effects of microgravity lead to rapid muscle atrophy and bone density loss. In the absence of gravity, astronauts experience a significant reduction in the need for movement and physical exertion, resulting in muscle weakening and a decrease in overall physical fitness.

Topics in Physical inactivity

• Health and Socioeconomic Consequences of Physical Inactivity;
• Physical Activity, Exercise, Lifestyle Habits, and Socioeconomic Influences;
• Interventions for Increasing Physical Activity;
• Integrating Physical Activity into Patient Care: Clinical and Community Approaches;
• Eliminating Physical Inactivity from the Modern Workplace: Design and Policy Innovations;
• Physical Inactivity in Microgravity Environments: Implications for Space and Earth.