Evolution of Physical Inactivity

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason why early humans were engineered for physical activity?

  • To improve their ability to hunt and gather food.
  • To enhance their physical appearance and attractiveness.
  • To increase their chances of survival and reproduce. (correct)
  • To develop strong social bonds and cooperation.

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an adaptation of the human body that supports physical activity?

  • Strong muscles and bones.
  • Enhanced immune system. (correct)
  • Efficient cardiovascular system.
  • Flexible joints and tendons.

The text suggests that low levels of physical activity are associated with:

  • Improved cognitive function and memory.
  • Higher metabolism and efficient energy utilization.
  • Enhanced mood regulation and emotional well-being.
  • Increased risk of developing chronic diseases. (correct)

How does the text connect Darwin's theory of evolution to human physical activity?

<p>By suggesting that those who were more physically active were more likely to survive and reproduce. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text emphasizes the importance of physical activity in human health by:

<p>Presenting a compelling argument for the benefits of physical activity based on evolutionary principles. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate percentage difference in daily energy expenditure between the late Stone Agers and modern Western humans?

<p>65% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided information, what is the average weight of a modern Western human?

<p>176 lbs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the daily energy expenditure (EE) of a late Stone Age hunter/gatherer compare to the current public PA guidelines for health?

<p>Current guidelines require 44% of the Stone Age hunter/gatherer EE. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these revolutions is NOT mentioned in the provided content as a factor influencing the decrease in physical activity in humans?

<p>Information Revolution (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The provided information suggests that modern humans are ________ compared to late Stone Agers.

<p>larger and less muscular (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of improved transport of O2 rich blood to the tissues?

<p>Increased bone density (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key reason why physical activity is necessary for survival in the context provided?

<p>To acquire the resources needed for survival (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following activities is NOT categorized as cardiovascular activity?

<p>Carrying game meat (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does increased success rate in hunting impact survival?

<p>Provides more food, nutrients, and resources for survival (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of improved coordination and efficiency in the nervous system?

<p>Better communication between brain and body (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a direct outcome of improved physical performance and motor skills?

<p>Increased success in hunting and acquiring resources (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential benefit of carrying children as a form of resistance training?

<p>Increased muscle strength and endurance in adults (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT listed as a benefit of physical activity in the provided content?

<p>Enhanced immunity and disease resistance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one notable strength of Hunter Gatherer populations compared to modern day athletes?

<p>They were approximately 20% stronger. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does PAL stand for in relation to energy expenditure?

<p>Physical Activity Level (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of physical activity levels is attributed to genetic factors?

<p>20% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hypothesis describes the efficiency of energy storage in Hunter Gatherers during periods of famine?

<p>Thrifty Gene Hypothesis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a factor affecting personal physical activity levels?

<p>Time of day (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does prolonged exercise during fasting affect glycogen stores?

<p>Glycogen stores are lost. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated as an evolutionary paradox regarding physical activity?

<p>Increased efficiency has led to less need for physical activity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What physiological feature did Hunter Gatherer populations share with modern day athletes?

<p>Similar skeletal structures (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor has the highest percentage influence on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), according to the content?

<p>Genetic Core (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the built environment play in determining physical activity levels?

<p>It provides parks and spaces for activity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected relationship between physical activity and food availability in Hunter Gatherers?

<p>Increased activity helps find food, allowing for more rest. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mindset shift is suggested in order to view exercise positively?

<p>Exercise is good for health and fitness. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What principle outlines that human genes require physical activity to maintain health?

<p>Biological Basis for Physical Activity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of increased physical activity during periods of feasting among Hunter Gatherers?

<p>Increased fat oxidation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT part of the ‘Host’ category influencing physical activity levels?

<p>Weather (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is described as impacting attitudes related to physical activity?

<p>Access to parks (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Human Genome

The complete set of DNA, including all genes, in a human being.

Physical Activity

Any movement generated by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure.

Human Architecture

The structure of the human body is designed for movement and physical activity.

Evolutionary Adaptation

Changes in organisms that enhance survival and reproduction in response to environmental demands.

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Consequences of Low Activity

Reduced physical activity leads to loss of function, increased disease risk, and higher mortality.

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Hunting and Gathering

An early human lifestyle focused on foraging and hunting for food.

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Agricultural Revolution

The period when humans began to domesticate plants and animals for food.

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Average daily energy expenditure (EE)

The amount of energy expended by an individual in a day.

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Comparative energy expenditure

Today's humans expend less energy than early hunter-gatherers.

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Contemporary public PA guidelines

Current recommendations for physical activity levels for health.

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Cardiovascular system

Improves transport of oxygen-rich blood to tissues.

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Muscles

Experience growth and improved metabolism at the cellular level.

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Nervous System and Brain

Improve coordination, efficiency, cognitive function, and memory.

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Adaptations

Result from improved performance and survival capabilities.

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Cardiovascular Activity

Includes activities like walking, running, and dancing.

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Resistance Training

Includes lifting and carrying heavy objects.

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Improved Performance

Increased success rates in hunting and gathering.

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Physical Activity Determinants

Factors influencing current levels of physical activity include genetics, environment, and personal motivations.

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Genetic Influence

Genetics account for approximately 20% of an individual's physical activity levels.

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Cardiorespiratory Fitness (CRF)

CRF levels are influenced by 40% of what determines physical activity levels today.

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Host Factors

Personal aspects like likes, dislikes, and motivation that affect physical activity.

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Environmental Factors

Include natural and built environments that encourage or discourage physical activity.

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Evolutionary Paradox

Humans have made things efficient, reducing the necessity for physical activity.

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Socioeconomic Status

Resources and support from one's background can influence physical activity levels.

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Changing the Paradigm

The new belief is that exercise is beneficial for health and well-being.

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Hunter Gatherer Speed

Hunter Gatherers were predicted to be as fast as modern elite sprinters like Usain Bolt.

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VO2max

Hunter Gatherers had a VO2max comparable to modern athletes due to fitness and smaller size.

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Strength Comparison

Hunter Gatherers were 20% stronger than modern day athletes, indicating superior physical characteristics.

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PAL Definition

PAL stands for Physical Activity Level, calculated as total energy burned in 24 hours divided by basal metabolic rate.

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Thrifty Gene Hypothesis

This hypothesis suggests that genes allow efficient energy storage to survive food scarcity.

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Glycogen & Fat Oxidation

Excess physical activity leads to increased glycogen stores but decreases fat oxidation during feasting.

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Exercise during Fasting

Exercising while fasting increases fat oxidation but decreases glycogen stores, which long-term can reduce performance.

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Human Genome & Activity

The human genome requires physical activity to maintain health, linking genes to lifestyle changes.

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Study Notes

Evolution of Physical Inactivity

  • Humans are genetically programmed for physical activity
  • Early humans needed physical activity for survival (hunting, gathering, etc.)
  • This activity led to adaptations in the cardiovascular, muscular, and nervous systems
  • Physical activity was crucial for finding food and survival
  • These adaptations are crucial for performance, motor skills, and brain function
  • Improved performance and skills led to higher success rates and more food
  • Physical activity is tied to increased hunting success rates

Human Physical Activity Through Time

  • Current daily energy expenditure is 65% of late stone-age humans
  • Adjusted for body size, current daily energy expenditure is 38% of late stone-age humans
  • Current recommendations for physical activity require only 44% of the daily energy expenditure of hunter gatherer societies

Stone Age Activity

  • Activities included:
    • Gathering
    • Hunting
    • Running
    • Chasing prey
    • Carrying items (children, firewood, game carcasses)
    • Digging
    • Dancing
    • Rituals
  • Activities involved substantial cardiovascular activity

Physical Activity and Survival

  • Hunter/gatherer populations were faster and stronger
  • Had high VO2 max comparable to modern athletes
  • Physical demands drove evolutionary adaptations
  • Key components include cardiovascular system, muscles, nervous system, brain, and cognition

Difference Between Hunter/Gatherers & Modern Humans

  • Hunter/gatherer:
    • Average weight: 126 lbs
    • Energy expenditure: 1285 kcal/day
    • Average walking/jogging: 11-13 miles per day.
  • Modern Humans:
    • Average weight: 176 lbs
    • Energy expenditure: 528 kcal/day
    • Average walking/jogging: 4-6 miles per day

Factors Influencing Modern Physical Activity Levels

  • Industrialization, transportation, and labor-saving devices
  • Sedentary recreation, screen time, spectator entertainment
  • Increased access to low-cost, high-energy foods; ready-made meals
  • Reduced physical activity has been a feature over the last ~ 84,000 generations

Mechanisms of Survival

  • The thrifty gene hypothesis proposes that genes promote energy storage, allowing survival during food scarcity
  • This mechanism interacts with physical activity by increasing glycogen stores and decreasing fat oxidation during rest and exercise
  • However, modern lifestyles cause long-term performance decreases as glycogen stores deplete and fat oxidation increases
  • This also leads to alterations in the function of genes involved in physical activity and the development of various disorders

What Determines Our Physical Activity Levels Today

  • Genetic factors (20% PA and 40% CRF)
  • Physical environments (parks, homes, neighborhoods etc.)
  • Host factors (individual preferences, motivation, etc.)
  • Social factors (resources, attitudes, support, etc.)
  • Biological factors (age, gender, disease status etc.)

Evolutionary Paradox

  • Human quest for efficiency has reduced the need for physical activity.

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Evolution of Inactivity PDF

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