NSP President joins call for regular physical activity as the world marks ‘World Physical Activity Day 2021’.

The Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP), the umbrella body of all the registered Physiotherapists in Nigeria, joins the whole World to commemorate World Physical Activity day, 2021.

The World Health Organization (WHO) named April 6 World Physical Activity Day during the 54th World Health Assembly in 2002 with the theme 'Promoting physical activity. The day was inspired by the Agita Mundo Network; a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting physical activity.

Regular physical activity is proven to help prevent and treat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, breast and colon cancer. It also helps to prevent hypertension, overweight and obesity and can improve mental health, quality of life and general well-being.

As one of the health-related professional associations working with the World Health Organization to build the active societies envisaged in the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-30, the NSP advocates the inculcation of physical activity into the lifestyle of every Nigerian. According to the World Health Organization, physical activity refers to any bodily movement produced by the skeletal muscles that demand energy expenditure. It involves activities like walking, engaging in household chores, recreational pursuits etc.

The World Health Organization recommends at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily for children and adolescents between ages 5 and 17 years. Physical activity beyond 60 minutes is highly recommended because it offers greater health benefits. Children and adolescents should engage in intense physical activity that strengthens muscles and bones at least thrice a week. For substantial health benefits, adults should do at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) to 300 minutes (5 hours) a week of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) to 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity.

To achieve the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity which is to reduce Physical Inactivity by 10% in the year 2025 and 15% by 2030, NSP is ready to work with government and non-governmental agencies and emphasizes the following strategies:

● CREATING ACTIVE SOCIETIES SOCIAL NORMS AND ATTITUDE- Cause a paradigm shift in all of society by enhancing knowledge and understanding of, and appreciation for, the multiple benefits of regular physical activity, according to ability and at all ages.

● PROVISION OF ACTIVE ENVIRONMENTS SPACES AND PLACES- Provide and maintain environments that promote and safeguard the rights of all people, of all ages, to have equitable access to safe places and spaces, in their cities and communities, in which to engage in regular physical activity, according to ability.

● CREATE ACTIVE PEOPLE PROGRAMMES AND OPPORTUNITIES- Create and promote access to opportunities and programmes, across multiple settings, to help people of all ages and abilities to engage in regular physical activity as individuals, families and communities.

● DEVELOPING ACTIVE SYSTEMS GOVERNANCE AND POLICY ENABLERS- Develop and strengthen leadership, governance, multisectoral partnerships, workforce capabilities, advocacy and information systems across sectors to achieve excellence in resource mobilization and implementation of coordinated international, national and subnational action to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour.

● Healthcare providers should advise and support patients to be regularly active.

A systems-based approach that recognizes the interconnectedness and adaptive interaction of multiple influences on physical activity is recommended. It shows the numerous opportunities for policy action by different stakeholders to reverse current trends in inactivity and how they interact on multiple levels.

Implementation requires a collective and coordinated response across the settings where people live, work and play by all relevant stakeholders, at all levels, to ensure a more active future.

This year, the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy celebrates World Physical Activity Day (WoPAD) in collaboration with the Exercise is Medicine (EIM) initiative with the adopted theme, 'Every Step Counts'. Hence NSP is inviting her members and everyone to join actively in this year celebration by walking the talk.

Participants can walk, dance, skip, engage in an aerobic workout, jog or run any time of the day and anywhere (including gyms, private homes and neighbourhoods) that is safe considering the Covid-19 pandemic.

You can track activities such as steps taken using a step counter or health app, smartwatches, pedometers, on a digital device and make a collage of activities done weekly until the end of April with aim of adapting to the lifestyle.

We wish you happy celebrations.

Every step counts!

Long live Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy!! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!

Click here for the released document.