Chapter 1: Public Health and Exercise Science

By Jennifer Taylor-Winney, PhD

Learning Objectives

• Understand the role of public health and its impact on individual and comunity health.

• Explain how physical activity and careers in exercise science contribute to public health.

• Describe how social determinants of health influence physical activity levels and health outcomes.

Chapter Content

Through reading this chapter you will get a better understanding of what public health means and how physical activity and careers in exercise science fit into public health. For starters please watch the video below to get a better understanding of what public health is and who it serves. (video content will be included in the quiz and discussion questions)

The field of exercise science plays a crucial role in public health by promoting physical activity as a means of preventing chronic diseases and improving overall health and well-being. Here’s how exercise science intersects with public health:

Prevention of Chronic Diseases: Regular physical activity has been linked to a reduced risk of chronic conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and mental health disorders. Exercise science research helps identify the types and amounts of physical activity needed to prevent these diseases.

Health Promotion and Education: Exercise scientists contribute to public health initiatives by educating individuals and communities about the benefits of physical activity. They provide evidence-based recommendations on exercise prescription, including the frequency, intensity, duration, and type of exercise suitable for different populations.

Policy Development: Exercise science research informs the development of public health policies aimed at promoting physical activity. This includes initiatives to create supportive environments for physical activity in schools, workplaces, and communities, as well as policies related to urban planning, transportation, and recreation facilities.

Intervention Programs: Exercise scientists design and evaluate intervention programs targeting populations at risk of physical inactivity and related health problems. These programs may include exercise interventions in clinical settings, community-based exercise programs, workplace wellness initiatives, and school-based physical education programs.

Health Equity: Exercise science research contributes to addressing health disparities by identifying barriers to physical activity among underserved populations and developing strategies to increase access to exercise opportunities in those communities.

Epidemiology: Exercise scientists conduct epidemiological studies to examine the relationship between physical activity and various health outcomes. This research helps quantify the burden of disease attributable to physical inactivity and provides evidence for public health interventions.

Professional Practice: Exercise scientists work alongside other public health professionals, such as epidemiologists, health educators, and policymakers, to develop and implement evidence-based strategies for promoting physical activity and improving population health.

Overall, exercise science is an integral component of public health efforts to prevent disease, promote health, and reduce health disparities through the promotion of physical activity.

The above video mentions social determinants of health. Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that affect their health outcomes. These factors are primarily social and economic in nature and encompass various aspects of life, including:

Socioeconomic Status: Income, education level, and occupation all play significant roles in determining health outcomes. Higher socioeconomic status is generally associated with better health.

Social Support Networks: Family, friends, and community networks provide crucial support that can buffer against stress and contribute to better health outcomes.

Physical Environment: Access to clean air and water, safe housing, parks, and recreational facilities all influence health. Environmental factors like pollution and toxins can also impact health negatively.

Education: Higher levels of education are associated with better health outcomes. Education influences health literacy, employment opportunities, and access to resources for maintaining health.

Employment and Working Conditions: Job security, working hours, workplace safety, and exposure to occupational hazards all affect health. Unemployment and underemployment can also have detrimental effects on health.

Access to Healthcare: Availability, affordability, and quality of healthcare services play a crucial role in determining health outcomes. Lack of access to healthcare services can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment of illnesses.

Health Behaviors: Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, smoking, and substance abuse significantly impact health outcomes. Social determinants influence individuals’ ability to adopt healthy behaviors.

Social Exclusion: Marginalized groups such as ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities often face discrimination and social exclusion, which can lead to disparities in health outcomes.

Addressing social determinants of health requires interventions at both individual and societal levels. Policies aimed at reducing poverty, improving education, promoting employment, ensuring access to healthcare, providing access to physical activity opportunities, and reducing discrimination can all contribute to improving health equity and overall population health.