How is ‘Exercise’ Different to ‘Movement’ or ‘Activity’?
Heidi Clarke
Exercise, movement, and physical activity are related but distinct concepts, especially in the context of chronic pain and general health:
1. Movement
- Definition: Movement refers to any bodily action that results in a change of position or posture. It includes all voluntary and involuntary actions, from walking and reaching to small gestures like fidgeting or even breathing.
- Purpose: Movement is essential for basic bodily functions and daily living. It doesn’t have to be planned or structured.
2. Physical Activity
- Definition: Physical activity is any movement that requires energy expenditure. It encompasses all movements, whether part of daily life (like walking, cleaning, or climbing stairs) or recreational activities. Within this is incidental activity which is is physical movement that is done in small amounts, and contributes to your total activity minutes each day
- Purpose: Physical activity is broader than exercise, including all forms of movement that enhance health, regardless of intent or structure.
3. Exercise
- Definition: Exercise is a subset of physical activity that is planned, structured, repetitive, and purposeful. It is specifically aimed at improving or maintaining physical fitness and is general more specific in nature.
- Purpose: Exercise targets specific fitness components, such as strength, flexibility, endurance, or cardiovascular health. It often involves a routine or regimen designed to achieve clearly defined outcomes.
Summary
- Movement is the broadest category, encompassing all body motions.
- Physical activity includes any movement that burns energy, whether intentional or not.
- Exercise is a type of physical activity, but with a deliberate focus on improving fitness through structured activities.
In chronic pain, movement and physical activity are important for maintaining general mobility and function. Exercise is typically used to systematically improve strength, flexibility, and aerobic fitness that may have diminished at the onset of pain due to reduced activity. All movement plays a role in the active self-management of pain and is hence necessary element in pain management strategies.
