CRF, MVPA, NEAT, PAEE, and Now Sedentary Time: Will the Pendulum Swing Back Again?

Abstract

Scientific knowledge is constantly progressing— today faster than ever before—and physical activity epidemiology research is no exception. Over the last 30 years this research area has expanded its focus beyond vigorous-intensity structured exercise to also incorporate moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA). As a consequence, the public health goal slowly shifted from improving cardio-respiratory fitness (CRF) to include physical activity promotion. This change was due to the convincing evidence that a significant proportion of physical activity-related health benefits occur when inactive individuals modestly increase their activity levels, mostly through moderateintensity physical activity such as walking. Today, the scientific evidence for the beneficial effects of moderateintensity physical activity on morbidity and mortality is no longer questioned. For example, in a landmark article, Lee and colleagues convincingly showed that the “no pain, no gain” concept was passe for preventing coronary heart disease among women. 1