Antiaging Checkup: Evaluation of Physical Activity

The amount of physical activity is related to the onset of lifestyle diseases, premature death, and also to physical strength and life functions [1, 2]. Therefore, it is important to understand the state of physical activity when promoting health and anti-aging. Physical activity refers to “the activity of skeletal muscles that increases energy consumption,” in simpler terms, it refers to all actions that move the body. Based on the concept of METs (metabolic equivalents for tasks), which is an index of how many times the energy consumption is when the state of being still is set to 1, actions of 1.5 METs or more correspond to physical activity. Actions less than 1.5 METs are not included in physical activity and are called rest, most of which are sedentary behaviors such as sleep and sitting down. Physical activity can be classified into two categories according to its purpose. One is exercise, which refers to activities performed with a purpose during leisure time. Specifically, it includes enjoying sports, working out at the gym, etc. The other is daily activities, which refer to activities necessary for daily life. Specifically, it includes housework, physical labor, movement, etc. Also, physical activity is classified by the difference in intensity (hardness). 1.5–2.9 METs are classified as low intensity, 3.0–5.9 METs as medium intensity, and 6 METs or more as high intensity. Low-intensity activities include stretching and standing, medium-intensity activities include table tennis, weight training, walking, vacuuming, etc., and high-intensity activities include running, carrying heavy loads, etc.