MEDICAL AREA   

Medicina dello Sport 2008 June;61(2):179-96

Copyright © 2008 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English, Italian

Lifestyle changes and physical exercise

Anedda A. ¹, Ferrari L. ²

¹ Presidio Medicina dello Sport, Azienda Usl di Parma, Parma, Italy 2 Servizio Sviluppo Organizzativo e Progettazione, Azienda Usl di Parma, Parma, Italy

Aim. Lifestyle refers to a constellation of different habits, behaviors and attitudes that can be modified; lifestyles can have a profound effect on health. The aim of this study was to demonstrate how physical exercise can lead to lifestyle changes and reduce cardiovascular risk factors.
Methods. The study population was composed of a group of physically active subjects (1910) and a group of sedentary people (1057) selected randomly and stratified by age. Statistical data analysis revealed significant differences between the two groups.
Results. Specifically, the data about obesity, smoke, alcohols use, habitual use of medicines and psychological stress factors showed that the physically active group was less subject to cardiovascular risk.
Conclusion. An active life is beneficial for physical health; regular exercise is a protective factor against the development of atherosclerosis and other diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Today, sports medicine should reach out to involve more people in taking up regular physical exercise in order to improve their general well-being health and reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease.