Physical activity — history and development of methodology and guidelines

Abstract

First studies in the field of physical activity and its role in chronic non-communicable diseases prevention were published more than 50 years ago. Initially, the goal of these investigations was to assess the risk of cardiovascular events during exercises. However, later the assessment of optimal intensity and duration of physical activity within preventive measures became the leading issue of research. Evolution of methodological approaches in physical activity assessment — from subjective methods based on the diaries and questionnaires to modern mobile devices — pedometers and accelerometers, required the changes in physical activity guidelines. Global recommendations on physical activity for health, published by WHO in 2010, leave many open questions due to the lack of an ideal method for physical activity evaluation.