Physical Inactivity

Periods of inactivity or sedentary behaviour are an independent risk factor for poor health outcomes and should be minimised when possible. There is strong evidence about the role physical activity plays in the prevention of some musculoskeletal conditions. The Chief Medical Officer’s (CMO) Physical Activity guidelines have been updated in 2019 to include the evidence for muscle strength, bone health and the ability to balance, all of which play a critical role in ensuring good muscular and skeletal health.

Evidence now highlights how the right level of activity can assist in supporting people with an MSK condition to maintain a level of movement and ease the stiffness to improve joint movement. People who have a long-term condition such as MSK are in pain and discomfort and therefore reluctant to undertake any form of activity. This can often exacerbate their condition as well as having an impact on other underlying conditions where a structured form of physical activity is advocated as a benefit to health; such as CVD and Mental health.