THE VERSATILE NATURE OF PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY - ON THE PSYCHOLOGICAL, BEHAVIORAL AND CONTEXTUAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HEALTH-RELATED PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY

This paper presents a comprehensive characterisation of physical activ ity based on psychological, behavioural and contextual aspects. Based on the characterisation it suggests a promotional classification of ph ysical activity into five categories. The categories are: 1, Occupatio nal activity; 2, Lifestyle activity; 3, Recreation activity; 4, Fitnes s activity; and 5, Sport activity. Examples are given of activities in each category and of the related emotional aspects, outcome expectati ons, degree of personal choice and health benefits. The importance of the emotional component and the relevance of the outcome expectations an discussed and contextual considerations are presented on the basis of the promotional classification. The implications of the classificat ion for the practice of health-enhancing physical activity promotion a re discussed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.