DOSE-RESPONSE ISSUES CONCERNING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & HEALTH

The symposium will summarize the evidence concerning the dose-response relationship between physical activity and health benefits and will identify key issues for future research. It will provide an opportunity to summarize the proceedings of an evidence-based consensus meeting held at Hockley Valley Resort, Toronto, in October 2000, which examined the dose-response aspects of the relationship between physical activity and the prevention of disease, disability and premature death. The key questions of the dose-response problem will be defined (C. Bouchard). The various components of the exercise recommendations in terms of intensity, frequency, duration, fractionalization, and acute versus chronic aspects will be summarized (W. Haskell). Dose-response relationships between physical activity and common chronic diseases as well as indicators of quality of life will be reviewed (S. Blair). The implication of the dose-response components of physical activity of participation in relation to cancer and mortality rates will be discussed (I-M Lee). The symposium will conclude with a panel discussion with a view to emphasize the evidence-based conclusions reached at the consensus meeting and how they compare to the current recommendations from the Surgeon General, CDC and ACSM.