Physical activity benefits outweigh risks for people with long-term health conditions

A new consensus statement from health experts has determined that physical activity is safe – even for people living with symptoms of multiple conditions.

Overhead view of a group dance exercise class in a community centre

Share

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Email Us
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp

By Sport England | 05 November 2021 | TAGS: Long term health conditions, Inequalities

The benefits of taking part in physical activity “outweigh the risks” for people with long-term health conditions.

A major review of scientific evidence and expert clinical consensus has found physical activity is safe – even for people living with symptoms of multiple conditions.

The findings will offer guidance for healthcare professionals that physical activity can be used to manage the majority of long-term health conditions and lead to more people with long-term health conditions being encouraged to take part in sport and physical activity.

One in four people in England live with a long-term health condition, and those in this group are twice as likely to be inactive, despite evidence that being active can help manage many conditions and reduce the impact and severity of some symptoms. 

However, there are many barriers to getting active for those living with a long-term health condition – including fears that physical activity may worsen their symptoms, and requirements to gain medical clearance prior to increasing activity levels.  

The new consensus statement aims to break down these barriers by clarifying fundamental safety considerations and bridging the gap between evidence, clinical and public health guidelines and people’s lived experience. 

Find out more here

Latest News

GM Active’s exercise referral programme boosts physical and mental health

By GM Active | 21 August 2025

A new State of Life report using data from 3,000 people found exercise referral programmes in Greater Manchester are boosting physical and mental wellbeing and reducing strain on the NHS.

What's your relationship with movement? Turning Physical Literacy into action in Greater Manchester

By GM Moving | 20 August 2025

How we’ve been putting the physical consensus statement into action in Greater Manchester

Updated GM Walking and Wheeling Fund re-opens to boost community health and wellbeing

By GM Moving | 18 August 2025

Applicants have until midday (12pm) on Friday 26 September 2025 to submit their proposals.