Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Management

Physical activity is increasingly recognised as a cornerstone in the prevention, control and treatment of a broad spectrum of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, metabolic syndromes, neurodegenerative conditions and certain cancers. Regular engagement in moderate-to-vigorous activity enhances cardiorespiratory fitness, improves glycaemic control, lowers blood pressure and ameliorates systemic inflammation. Light physical activity and reductions in sedentary time also contribute to favourable metabolic and functional outcomes. Beyond biochemical and physiological benefits, exercise interventions bolster psychological well-being, support weight management and reduce the risk of comorbid depression. Tailored activity prescriptions, delivered through home-based, community or clinic-based programmes, demonstrate sustained adherence and translate into clinically meaningful improvements in disease markers. Specialised interventions for older adults, those with multimorbidity and populations in low- and middle-income settings underscore the need for culturally sensitive and context-specific strategies. The global burden of chronic disease emphasises the imperative for integrating physical activity into routine care pathways, leveraging technology for monitoring and harnessing policy frameworks to create supportive environments for active lifestyles.

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Physical Activity and Chronic Disease Management publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in physical activity and chronic disease management across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA): Activities that raise heart rate and respiratory effort to a level that confers substantial cardiovascular and metabolic benefits.

Light physical activity (LPA): Low-intensity movements such as casual walking or household tasks that contribute to total energy expenditure.

Sedentary behaviour: Waking activities characterised by low energy expenditure, including prolonged sitting or reclining, which are independently linked to adverse health outcomes.

Multimorbidity: The co-existence of two or more chronic health conditions in the same individual, often compounding functional limitations and complicating management.

Accelerometry: Objective measurement of physical movement using wearable sensors to quantify intensity, frequency and duration of activity and inactivity.

References

1. A systematic review and meta-analysis of adherence to physical activity interventions among three chronic conditions: cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. BMC Public Health (2019).
2. Chronic physical conditions, multimorbidity and physical activity across 46 low- and middle-income countries. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (2017).
3. Sedentary behavior, physical inactivity, abdominal obesity and obesity in adults and older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN (2022).