Online Course
Basic Principles of Physical Activity
Learn about the influence of activity and inactivity in different age and population groups

2-2.5 hours

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Online course for physiotherapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists and students - Basic Principles of Physical Activity
Summarising
Summarising the latest research & evidence
Trusted
Trusted by over - clinicians
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Learn anytime, anywhere, on any device
Accredited
Accredited certificate of completion

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This course is part of a programme:

UPDATE: This course will be retired on 30 August 2026. Please make sure you complete all required activities before then.

Introduction

Physical inactivity has a major impact on health across the world. It has been identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality causing an estimated 3.2 million deaths globally. Of the deaths attributable to physical inactivity, 2.6 million are in low- and middle-income countries. While physical inactivity is more prevalent in high- and middle-income countries, it is still among the top ten risk factors contributing to death in low-income countries. The benefits of physical activity are far-reaching and contribute to both the prevention and management of long-term conditions, so it should form a component of every physiotherapy intervention.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to:

  • describe six benefits of Physical Activity
  • describe physiological adaptations to exercise
  • list at least five absolute contraindications to exercise
  • discuss the concept of physical activity and inactivity in children, adolescents, adults, and people with disabilities
  • select two global patterns/trends in Physical Activity

Target audience

This course is aimed at Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy clinicians, students and assistants. Other interested professionals such as athletic trainers, occupational therapists, nurses or medical doctors interested in this subject are also invited to participate.

Practicalities

  • Availability - this course is online and can be completed on your own schedule.
  • Hours of Learning - No deadlines are applied to this course and it can be started and completed in your own time according to your personal schedule. We expect the required elements to take around 2-2.5 hours depending on your schedule and learning style. Additionally there are many optional resources provided and if you choose to review these the course could take longer to complete.
  • Types of Activities - This course includes instructional and/or practical videos, reading activities, AI supported learning activities, reflection, evaluation forms, a quiz and additional resources.
  • Certificates - At the end of the course, when you have completed all of the required elements, you will be able to download a certificate of completion and 2.1 Plus points will be added to your personalised learning dashboard.

Accessibility and Non-Discrimination Policy

Physiopedia Plus is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all participants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, disability, military status, sexual orientation or age in any aspect of our continuing education services. We are dedicated to ensuring that all learners can fully participate in our programmes. Participants who require accommodations or have special needs are encouraged to contact us with details so that we can make all reasonable efforts to meet these requirements.

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