Bewegen als medicijn

Regular engagement in physical activity reduces the risk for chronic diseases and mortality. Nevertheless, more than half of the Dutch population does not adhere to contemporary physical activity guidelines. We provide insight into the dose-response relationship between physical activity and health benefits, and present novel approaches to enhance the uptake of a physically active lifestyle. Important take-aways are as follows: 1) Due to the curvilinear association, risk reductions with increases in physical activity volumes strongly depend on baseline activity levels. 2) High intensity activities produce similar health benefits in relatively less time compared to activities at moderate- or low intensity. 3) Novel metrics, such as daily steps or exercise snacks expand the physical activity toolbox and could allow more personalized activity prescriptions.

Conflict of interest and financial support: ICMJE forms provided by the authors are available online along with the full text of this article.