Abstract

The roles of physical activity, including exercise, in improvement of fitness and health, and prevention and treatment of many health conditions have been well recognized. Physical inactivity has been identified by the World Health Organization as one of the major risks of mortality [1]. Based on the evidence from research and professional practice, governments and professional bodies have published guidelines for adequate levels of physical activity in daily life [2-4]. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and American Medical Association (AMA) jointly introduced the concept of “Exercise is Medicine” in 2007, encouraging primary care physicians and other health care providers to include physical activity as a standard part of medical treatment and patient care [5]. The concept and practice of “Exercise is Medicine” have been adopted in more than 30 countries globally.