Required motor abilities in commonly practised exercise modes and potential training effects among adults

Background 

There is a lack of knowledge of the motor abilities required in different exercise modes which are needed when counselling sedentary middle-aged people to start physically active lifestyle.

Methods 

Nominal group technique was used to establish the consensus statement concerning motor abilities and physical fitness in 31 exercise modes.

Results 

The most suitable exercise modes for most people with no specific requirements were regarded:

• walking 
• running 
• jogging 
• callisthenics. 

The most demanding exercise modes of evaluated exercise modes were: 

• roller skating 
• downhill skiing 
• martial arts. 

These require all five motor abilities. 

Four abilities were necessary in: 

• skating 
• jazz dance 
• ice hockey. 

When exercising is target-oriented endurance is trained evidently in 27 out of 31 and muscle strength in 22 out of 31 exercise modes.
 
 

Conclusions 

The consensus statement gives theoretical basis for the components of motor abilities and physical fitness components in different exercise modes. The statement is instructive in order to promote health-enhancing physical activity among sedentary people.

This study completes the selection of the exercise modes more detailed than current physical activity recommendation and guidelines for public health. A variety of exercise modes with one or none motor requirements is available to start.

When amount and intensity of exercise is increased the training effects can be found in most components of motor ability and physical fitness.

Project finished.

Contact 

Marjo Rinne, Senior Researher 

marjo.rinne(a)ukkinstituutti.fi 

Publication 

Rinne MB, Miilunpalo SI, Heinonen AO, Evaluation of required motor abilities in commonly practised exercise modes and potential training effects among adults, Journal of Physical Activity and Health 2007;4:203-214.