Physical Activity and Health

This book presents a wide-ranging account of the key issues of the biology of physical activity and health.

Nicholas G. Norgan (Edited by)

9780521067461, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 26 June 2008

264 pages, 48 b/w illus. 50 tables
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.5 cm, 0.39 kg

Review of the hardback: '… the evidence presented ought to convince even the most committed lay-about that some exercise is a good thing.' R. J. Maughan, BMJ

Physical activity and exercise affect many dimensions of health. This book presents a wide-ranging account of the key issues of the biology of physical activity and health. The context is set by considering the comparative and temporal aspects of activity in humans. There follows an examination of the concepts and methodological issues associated with activity, exercise, health and fitness, as well as their interrelationships. Particular attention is given to activity in children, adolescents and the elderly, activity and weight maintenance, and the psychological effects of activity. This topical volume will be of interest to human biologists, biological anthropologists, human physiologists, sports scientists, psychologists, and healthcare professionals involved in preventative medicine, public health, geriatrics, occupational health and community medicine.

List of contributors
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction N. G. Norgan
2. Comparative aspects of human activity R. McNeil Alexander
3. Physical activity levels - past and present J. V. G. A. Durnin
4. The validity of health measurements J. R. Kemm
5. Developments in the assessment of physical activity Peter S. W. Davies
6. Two national surveys of activity, fitness and health: the Allied Dunbar Fitness Survey and the Welsh Heart Health Survey C. B. Cooke et al.
7. Physical development and childhood activity Han G. C. Kemper
8. Physical activity and behavioural development during childhood and youth Robert M. Malina
9. Physiological aspects of activity and ageing E. J. Bassey
10. Activity and morale in later life: preliminary analysis from the Nottingham Longitudinal Study of Activity and Ageing Kate Bennett and Kevin Morgan
11. The benefits of low intensity exercise Adrianne Hardman
12. Physical activity, obesity and weight maintenance Wim H. M. Saris
13. Adherence to physical activity and exercise Stuart Biddle
14. Women's working behaviour and maternal-child health in rural Nepal Catherine Panter-Brick
15. Physical activity and psychological well-being Andrew Steptoe
16. Leisure lifestyles: present and future Sue Glyptis
Index.

Subject Areas: Human biology [PSX]