Abstract
Physical activity is a multi-faceted behaviour comprised of several components: frequency, intensity, time and type (FITT). Despite this understanding, there is currently a lack of knowledge regarding how the individual components of FITT influence chronic diseases. This is partly due to the tendency for researchers to focus on intensity via obtaining accurate measurements of energy expenditure. Although energy expenditure is an important consideration in the assessment of physical activity, it is only one component. Accordingly, future studies examining the association between physical activity and disease risk would benefit from examining all the components of FITT. Considering that all the components of FITT are modifiable, knowing their independent or combined influence on risk may provide valuable insight for future prevention interventions.
Key words: Motor activity, chronic disease, epidemiology
Résumé
L’activité physique est un comportement multifacette composé de quatre éléments: la fréquence, l’intensité, la durée et le type (FIDT). Bien que l’on s’entende sur ce point, on connaît encore trop peu l’influence de chacun de ces éléments sur les maladies chroniques. Cela s’explique en partie par la tendance des chercheurs à mettre l’accent sur l’intensité en voulant obtenir des mesures exactes de la force dépensée. La force dépensée est un important élément à considérer lorsqu’on évalue l’activité physique, mais il y en a d’autres. En conséquence, les futures études qui porteront sur l’association entre l’activité physique et les risques de maladie auraient intérêt à examiner tous les éléments FIDT. Comme ils sont tous modifiables, le fait de connaître leur influence, indépendante ou combinée, sur les risques pourrait jeter un précieux éclairage sur les futures interventions de prévention.
Mots clés: activité, motrice, maladie chronique, épidémiologie
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