Physical activity and health in Rarámuris: a cross-contextual analysis

Indigenous communities are a foundation of a nation's identity. The Rarámuri people show physical endurance and maintain a relationship with nature. They also see movement as a way of life, spirituality and balance. But in recent decades urbanization, migration and modernization have changed the lifestyles of indigenous communities. The changes directly affect the health of indigenous communities. This book, based on research, shows how the shift from a traditional to an urban environment affects physical activity, body composition and health. The comparison between life in the highlands and life in the city reveals less physical activity, more sedentary lifestyles and changes in diet. These changes generate new health problems. The book seeks to make these processes visible from an intercultural perspective, integrating exercise science, anthropometry and public health. It also offers useful evidence for researchers, professionals and decision makers interested in understanding the impact of modernity on human well-being.