Atividade física: conceitos teóricos, aspectos neurobiológicos e nível de atividade física

Abstract

Physical activity is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. It can induce neurogenesis, angiogenesis and synaptogenesis mechanisms in the nervous system. The physical activity level can be determined through subjective or objective methods. The objective of this paper is to carry out a literature review to present the theoretical concepts and neurobiological aspects of physical activity as well as existing instruments to measure the physical activity level of a given population or individual. Subjective methods are applied using questionnaires and recalls, they are widely used in epidemiologic studies because it can be easily applied in large population groups at low cost. The objective methods assess the physical activity level directly, using physiological markers or motion sensor. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages and it’s necessary consider not only the practicality and the feasibility of measures but also its methodological effectiveness such as validity, reliability and sensitivity when choosing the most effective method. The possible combination of more than one method can result a in better assessment of physical activity level, which can provide more reliable and accurate data. For instance, when combining movement or heart rate sensor with questionnaires it’s possible to obtain more appropriate information regarding the type, intensity and duration of the physical activity as well as energy expenditure. Our paper was able to identify 9 questionnaires along with diaries as subjective methods and 4 objective methods, which can contribute with methodological choices for researchers who need to choose a method to evaluate physical activity level in volunteers.