Global impact of physical inactivity and implications for public health nursing.

Physicalinactivity has been a public health problem worldwide for more than a decade. Of those who are physically active, a substantial percentage engage solely in low or very low physical activity (PA) levels. In the last 3 decades, the prevalence of PA in the United States has decreased with approximately 80% of adults not meeting the recommended guidelines for aerobic and muscle strengthening PA. The PA levels of youth have dramatically decreased with 85% of adolescents reporting no PA. Regular PA participation can aid in preventing chronic diseases. A strong inverse dose‐response relationship exists between PA and the incidence of cardiovascular disease, all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality. Moreover, low cardiorespiratory fitness levels are a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases: the leading cause of death and disability globally. Conversely, high amounts of moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity PA at levels 3–5 times recommended in guidelines reduce risk for all cause mortality. Socio‐ecological determinants of PA are essential considerations for promoting across the life course. In health care and community settings, public health nurses have opportunities to promote PA through a socio‐ecological approach across the life course of individuals and diverse populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]