{"id":5350,"date":"2013-10-07T22:31:23","date_gmt":"2013-10-07T21:31:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/?p=5350"},"modified":"2013-10-07T22:31:23","modified_gmt":"2013-10-07T21:31:23","slug":"exercise-medicine-in-wales-gathering-momentum-in-pursuit-of-an-active-nation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bmj.com\/bjsm\/2013\/10\/07\/exercise-medicine-in-wales-gathering-momentum-in-pursuit-of-an-active-nation\/","title":{"rendered":"Exercise Medicine In Wales – Gathering momentum in pursuit of an active nation"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Dr Rhodri Martin (@rhodmartin<\/a>) and Bryn Savill (@BrynSavill<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Wales \u2013 An inactive nation<\/b><\/p>\n

The physical inactivity pandemic is none more evident than here in Wales. The Welsh Health Survey 2012 reports that 71 percent of the population are not doing at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity, on five or more days a week. Considering the inaccuracy of self reported physical activity we can safely assume that the levels of inactivity are indeed far greater than those published 1<\/sup>. Furthermore, and even more worrying, is that in 2007 Wales topped the European chart for having the most unfit schoolchildren2<\/sup>. This is truly a worrying statistic, and one that requires immediate action to rectify given the dramatic impact this will have on the health of the future population3<\/sup>.<\/p>\n

\"SONYCardiff Exercise Medicine Symposium 2013 (@CardiffExMed<\/a>)<\/b><\/p>\n

Despite these depressing statistics, there is however, much reason for optimism. There is a very proactive physical activity movement here in Wales, with individuals focused on reversing the downward trend in physical activity levels. This was exemplified by the recent inaugural Cardiff Exercise Medicine Symposium. Policy makers, healthcare professionals, academics, exercise professionals and students from all over the world looked at ways in which we can address the physical activity pandemic, as well as novel ways in which we can use exercise in the treatment of disease.<\/p>\n

Eminent international speakers inspired over 250 delegates, instigating lively debates and exchanges of ideas and experiences from around the world. The symposium brought together academic researchers with health and exercise professionals and provided a platform to help drive forward exercise medicine, and in particular excellence in this new specialty here in Wales.<\/p>\n

Despite its small geographical size, Wales is extremely fortunate to have a wealth of expertise in Exercise Medicine. During the \u2018Exercise Medicine in Wales session\u2019 we had speakers from several of the leading Welsh Universities highlighting their exercise related research. The application of their work via enthused healthcare and exercise professionals here in Wales will help drive this specialty forward both nationally and internationally.<\/p>\n

Delegate breakdown from the Cardiff Exercise Medicine Symposium 2013:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"SONY
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n