Physical activity, health and wellness: Some challenges in the 21st century

Recognition of the salutogenic effect of physical activity, especially by medical professionals can be traced back to the 9th century before Christ. The health enhancing claims made by the medical professionals over the centuries are significant and some of them already implemented modern exercise principles in their exercise regimes. With the beginning of the Napoleonic wars, a new profession – Physical Education entered the professional area and the association between medicine and fitness became more separated. The challenge to this profession to enhance physical activity participation and fitness to all layers of the population were expressed by reputable health organizations. However, Physical Education is globally being phased out of the school curriculum, while the adult population relies on the medical profession to keep them healthy, without taking any responsibility for their own wellness. The global decline in physical education has forced training institutions to adapt their curriculum in order to survive. This has led to all types of name changes right over the world. In South Africa the threat to survive also forced universities to change their approach. This led to the “birth” of Biokinetics – a health discipline, which was registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa in 1983. Key Words: Health, fitness, Physical Education, medicine, wellness, paradigm, Biokinetics. AJPHERD Vol.10(3) 2004: 220-22