Physical Activity as a Health Need

Abstract

The scientific concept of human needs has an interdisciplinary nature and is associated with the standards of living and development, health and disease status, quality of life, and life satisfaction. Research results indicate that systematic physical activity at any ontogenesis period is of vital importance for optimal development and maintenance of physical efficiency, fitness, and health. Therefore, it has been assumed that physical activity is a health need of each man. The aim of the study is to find relationships between physical activity and health needs. The analysis was intended to reveal the importance, functions, and consequences of the impact of physical activity on the psychophysical condition of man based on examples from available literature. The relationships between physical activity and health needs have been presented from the perspective of public health and promotion targeted at improvement of public health in a way to ensure the best fulfilment of conscious and unconscious needs. According to WHO, health needs are disturbances in the health status or social well-being that require intervention measures such as treatment, rehabilitation, or social assistance as well as prevention measures. Systematic moderate physical activity is one of the most important factors with a beneficial effect on human physiological processes and improves the quality of life. The National Health Programme for 2016–2020 recommends increased physical activity among children, adolescents, and the elderly.

Keywords

• health needs
• human needs
• physical activity