British medical bulletin
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Measures to increase individual participation in adequate amounts of physical exercise have a key place among the strategies to improve health and prevent disease. The scientific justification is based on a variety of evidence drawn from numerous epidemiological, clinical and physiological studies and is accepted as sound. The prevalence of physical disability is high. ⋯ Weight-bearing exercise has been shown to prevent osteoporosis at any age. The links between many of the functional adaptations which occur with exercise and improvements in health have been demonstrated. The exercise programmes which are effective have been defined.