FYSISK AKTIVITET - Sundhedsstyrelsen

activity they had when the study started, and everyone who changes their level
of physical activity during the follow-up period is thereby incorrectly categorized.
The diseases for which evidence demonstrates conclusively that physical
activity has a preventive effect include heart disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic
syndrome and cancer of the colon, but many other conditions and diseases
such as osteoporosis, depression, dementia and cancer of the prostate, testicles,
lungs and breasts are also clearly associated with physical activity.
The effect of physical activity in preventing premature death applies to both
sexes and all age groups and regardless of the presence of overweight or other
risk factors. The manual reviews some of the classical studies and studies carried
out in the Nordic countries.
Physical activity among older people has the same preventive effects as among
younger adults, but physical activity also considerably improves their functioning,
which is especially important in maintaining normal activities of daily
living and their quality of life. Older people generally have lower physical
reserve capacity than younger people, which means that the activities of daily
living comprise a great burden. Older people have at least the same proportional
potential as younger people to improve their physical performance, and
exercise training can therefore substantially affect their functional capacity.
Further, increasing muscle strength among older people reduces their risk of
falling and thereby their risk of osteoporotic fractures.
Physical activity has the same health-promoting effects among pregnant women
as among non-pregnant women of the same age. High-intensity aerobic
physical activity (condition training) provides benefits before, during and after
pregnancy. Women who have been very physically active before pregnancy
can continue to be physically active during pregnancy, perhaps with a slightly
lower intensity and quantity, as long as they are otherwise healthy. Highimpact
physical activity may increase the risk of abortion early in pregnancy.
Strength training in a sitting position with light weights or a light load in
training with machines provides benefits during pregnancy. Women who have
engaged in strenuous strength training before pregnancy may continue this
training during pregnancy as long as they are otherwise healthy. Non-weightbearing
physical activity is recommended for women with back or pelvic pain
and is generally recommended for all pregnant women late in pregnancy.
Pregnant women who have a high risk of gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia
and eclampsia should engage in a higher quantity and intensity of physical
Fysisk aktivitet – håndbog om forebyggelse og behandling 15