Differentiating Physical Activity, Exercise, and Physical Fitness: A Narrative Review on Health and Cardiopulmonary Fitness
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18071252Keywords:
Cardiopulmonary Fitness, Cardiorespiratory System, Exercise, Physical Activity, Physical FitnessAbstract
Although the terms physical activity, exercise, and physical fitness are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct yet interrelated concepts that play critical roles in health and cardiopulmonary function. This narrative review aims to differentiate and clarify the definitions and interrelationships of these concepts. Literature was searched in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using relevant keywords. Studies providing clear conceptual distinctions, discussing cardiopulmonary responses to exercise, and examining the health outcomes of physical activity and fitness were included. Physical activity refers to any bodily movement that increases energy expenditure and contributes to overall health and disease prevention, whereas exercise is a structured and repetitive form of physical activity designed to enhance specific components of physical fitness. Physical fitness encompasses both health- and skill-related attributes that individuals possess or develop, and its cardiopulmonary component reflects the efficiency of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in oxygen transport and utilization. Understanding the distinctions and interrelationships among these concepts provides a comprehensive framework for optimizing exercise prescription, promoting health, and interpreting physiological adaptations that improve cardiopulmonary performance.
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