Introduction

Physical inactivity has a major health effect worldwide. It has been identified as a leading risk factor for global mortality causing more than 5 million deaths globally per year. Of the deaths attributable to physical inactivity, 2.6 million are in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). While physical inactivity is more prevalent in high- and middle-income countries, even in low-income countries it is among the top ten risk factors contributing to death.

The global physical inactivity crisis, and the epidemic of life-style related diseases (non-communicable diseases or NCDs) has created an urgent need for health care professionals to develop effective approaches for including physical activity into patient interactions. Creating a more active population requires joined up thinking and action from many health care professionals and related stakeholders.

Aims

This programme of courses is designed to help healthcare professionals understand the size of the problem of physical inactivity in populations globally, the role of physical inactivity in the causation of a number of conditions and the benefits of exercise in treatment and prevention, and to encourage those who access the course to perform and evaluate interventions to increase physical activity in their settings. This course will give you the confidence, competencies and capabilities, to offer safe and effective physical activity and exercise advice. It also aims to inspire and support all health care professionals to lead on physical activity advocacy and action within your practice, from local to global action.

Outline

This programme consists of five separate online courses and an assignment:

1. Basic Principles of Physical Activity
2. Global Issues Surrounding Physical Activity
3. Role of Physical Activity in NCDs
4. Role of Physical Activity in Non-Communicable Diseases
5. Integrating Physical Activity into Clinical Practice and the Community
6. Final assignment

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.