ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides a background about physical activity for health on which to judge and assess the role of behavioural and psychological factors. It also provides a brief history of the field of physical activity for health. The book explains the behavioural epidemiology and ecological frameworks, and introduce the ‘systems’ approach. It describes a brief synopsis of human evolution and history that is relevant to current physical activity and health behaviours in contemporary society. The book reviews the prevalence and trends in physical activity and sedentary behaviour. It argues that academics are being required not only to show academic impact, but impact to wider society. The book provides more coverage of sedentary behaviour. It argues that health is multifactorial in nature and includes dimensions of the physical, mental and social, and some might argue the ‘spiritual’.
