Movement For Movement

Physical activity is presented as a core part of preventing and treating non-communicable diseases, with a strong focus on pregnancy, rehabilitation, perioperative care, and lifelong health. Anne Gates explains the global “Movement for Movement” initiative and argues that all healthcare professionals—not only physiotherapists—should be able to give safe, effective brief advice on movement and exercise. Learners can expect an overview of the health impact of inactivity and sedentary behaviour, including links to cardiovascular disease, cancer, depression, disability, and hospital stay length. The session also covers public health goals such as the WHO 25 by 25 target, physical activity guidelines across different age groups, and the idea of treating physical activity as a routine “vital sign.” A major theme is leadership. The talk encourages clinicians and students to use every patient contact as a teachable moment, build communities of practice, identify service gaps, and create change at clinic, community, and system level. Practical examples include active environments, brief interventions, equity-focused approaches, and partnerships across health, education, transport, and community services.