Why is health through movement becoming a strategic issue?
- A sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor, even for physically active people.
- Movement must be considered a key determinant of health, from prevention to care. Small, frequent doses of movement (standing up, walking, taking active breaks) have measurable effects on health.
- Technologies (sensors, active games, mobilization platforms, virtual reality, behavioral nudges) play a role in motivation and adherence.
- Active design and the layout of spaces (buildings, cities, workplaces) are levers for reducing inactivity in everyday life.
- Integrating physical activity into healthcare pathways requires cultural, organizational, and political change.
Introduction
A sedentary lifestyle involves spending long hours (>7 hours) sitting or lying down, whether at work, in the car, or in front of a screen. According to the WHO, a sedentary lifestyle is recognized as the fourth leading cause of premature death worldwide. This scientific finding is alarming to healthcare professionals.
Prof. Guillaume Millet, Professor of exercise physiology and director of the interuniversity laboratory of motor biology at Jean Monnet University in Saint Étienne (France) is sure:
Sedentary lifestyles remain the invisible enemy. We need to debunk the myths in order to bring about lasting behavioral change.
In Switzerland, nearly half of the working population remains seated for six hours or more per day, with an even higher proportion among young adults and students. Given this reality, exercise can no longer be considered a mere leisure activity, but rather a major determinant of health, from prevention to rehabilitation.
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Exercise is neither a bonus nor a leisure activity. It is a fundamental pillar of health, prevention, and well-being.
Sébastien Mabillard, President of the Swiss Digital Health Association
Benefits and challenges: combating sedentary lifestyles
Numerous studies show that prolonged sedentary lifestyles affect cardiovascular, cognitive, and mental health, even in people who exercise regularly. Regular active breaks are associated with improved metabolic markers and overall well-being. (anses, 2024)
Palliative emergency home or virtual units
The chair that kills
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An analysis published in The Lancet Public Health in 2025 shows that walking approximately 7,000 steps per day is associated with a 38% reduction in the risk of dementia, a 22% reduction in the risk of depression, and a 14% reduction in the risk of diabetes (The Lancet Public Health, 2025)
Every minute counts, especially when you go from zero to a little activity. Physical activity is the most effective medicine for longevity, with fewer side effects than drug treatments.
Prof. Guillaume Millet
Current challenges: behaviors, care, and funding
Prescribing physical activity should be a priority, not an option
Prof. Guillaume Millet
Despite strong scientific consensus, sedentary lifestyles are on the rise. Confusion between sedentary lifestyles and physical inactivity remains common. “You can be athletic and still be very sedentary,” points out Prof. Guillaume Millet, emphasizing that reducing the amount of time spent sitting is a health goal in itself.
In healthcare settings, the integration of movement still faces several obstacles: lack of time during consultations, no specific reimbursement, and limited recognition of adapted physical activity (APA) professionals. “Prescribing physical activity should be a priority, not an option,” insists Prof. Guillaume Millet, during the round table discussion on Healing through movement at the Digital Health Connect 2025 conference.
Movement is now a form of treatment
Thibault Devaud, Physical activity instructor at Fribourg Hospital (HFR)
At the Fribourg Hospital, however, movement is already considered a form of treatment. “Movement is now a form of treatment,” explains Thibault Devaud, adapted physical activity instructor at Fribourg Hospital (HFR). Concrete actions, such as the “no pajamas” hospital and the setting of movement goals displayed at the foot of the bed, help to combat inactivity and physical deconditioning in hospitals.
Innovations and perspectives: digital technology, design, and public policy
Digital technology helps to put movement back at the heart of everyday life, thanks to tools for tracking, motivation, and personalization. Smartwatches, mobile apps, and interactive programs make it easier to set goals and provide feedback, with effects that vary depending on individual profiles and contexts. (The Conversation, 2025).
Sensors and notifications can also support “just-in-time” interventions: an intensive study of seniors shows that context (location, time of day, current activity) strongly influences vulnerability to prolonged periods of sedentary behavior and the acceptability of an invitation to move (Sedentary Behavior Research Network, 2025)
Engagement and motion measurement technologies
Several initiatives illustrate the potential of technology in promoting more active health:
Active design and public action
Movement does not depend solely on individual motivation.
Active design aims to integrate movement into the architecture and layout of public spaces. Highlighting staircases or installing active furniture significantly increases spontaneous activity (URBIA – UNIL, 2024).
Operational approaches also exist for buildings, such as the “Active Design in Buildings” toolkit proposed by BETA office, inspired in particular by the Active Design Guidelines (NYC) and the WELL Building Standard.
It’s a societal challenge: our urban, school, and professional environments can either promote or hinder physical activity.
Sébastien Mabillard, President of the Swiss Digital Health Association
Projects such as SpArk Vaud, deployed in Renens, Yverdon-les-Bains, Aigle, Vevey, Moudon, Morges and the Vallée de Joux, illustrate this approach by transforming public space into an urban and social laboratory, combining free activities, accessible facilities, and regular events.
In Morges, a variation has also taken the form of a venue dedicated to young people (1110SPARK), focused on sports and urban culture (Ville de Morges, 2025 SPARK).
Getting active early: school, family, and active mobility
Preventing a sedentary lifestyle starts in childhood, in family, school, and travel routines. Two recent studies reported by the Federal Office of Sport show that parents’ physical activity influences that of their children, reinforcing the importance of family and community approaches (OFSPO/BASPO, 2025).
At school, physical activity also promotes mental health and improves learning conditions. A Swiss study reported by RTS indicates that one hour of sport per day helps young people to better manage school stress (RTS, 2025).
The Conversation, for its part, highlights the importance of incorporating active breaks and rethinking school organization to limit students’ sedentary lifestyles (The Conversation, 2025).
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Finally, active mobility is one of the structural determinants of daily physical activity. A study commissioned by the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) documents the evolution of the travel habits of children, adolescents, and young adults between 1994 and 2021 (FEDRO/ASTRA, 2025).
At the international level, GoPA!’s Country Cards 2025 provide a benchmark for assessing the capacity of countries – including Switzerland – in terms of monitoring, policy, and research on physical activity (GoPA!, 2025).
Conclusion
Health through movement is based on the alignment of scientific evidence, digital innovations, environmental adjustments, and public policy. The Swiss projects presented at Digital Health Connect 2025 show that concrete solutions already exist, from prevention to rehabilitation.
We are facing a societal problem that is too big for any single player to solve.
Prof. Guillaume Millet
Investing in movement is a rational and sustainable choice for improving quality of life and strengthening the sustainability of the healthcare system.
Health through movement is no longer a matter of awareness, but of structure. The initiatives presented illustrate an ongoing transition towards prevention and care models in which physical activity is considered an integral part of the healthcare system.
