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Tag Archives: clinical research

Announcements, Dietetics, In Home Care, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy

The evidence is in – exercise matters

Posted on by Nicole Cook
Exercise Matter web banner 1500 × 800px
29
Aug

Exercise Mat

Why exercise matters? Considering the evidence

A review of: Exercise comes of age; The Journals of Gerontology

We all have the intuition that exercise is good for us and most of us recognise that we feel better when we are regularly doing physical activity that we enjoy. Why, then, do we not talk about how exercise benefits us most as we age?

As this article discusses, many GPs and gerontology specialists stop short of exercise prescription for older adults, which is as shame, as the evidence is in and it indicates that exercise has a significant role to play as we get older.

The article we reviewed identified 4 key areas that are important when thinking about aging and exercise.
• Regular physical activity contributes to health and well-being, minimising the changes associated with aging and a sedentary lifestyle.
• Participating in regular exercise increases longevity and decreases the risk of many chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, osteoarthritis, depression, and osteoporosis.
• Exercise can be used alongside medical treatments for chronic health conditions and improve health outcomes as well as counteract the negative side effects of some medical treatments.
• Regular participation in physical activity or exercise may assist in the prevention and treatment of disability.

The researchers advise that

exercise recommendations should be made by clinicians who have the skills to do so and should be specific to the needs of individuals with support systems and monitoring for progress.

Physiotherapists, Allied Health Assistants, Osteopaths, Nurses and Occupational Therapists can all have a role in promoting evidence-based exercise therapy for clients at home or in residential facilities. For a healthier tomorrow, help your clients start living an active life today.

To learn more, follow the link below:

Exercise comes of age; The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, Volume 57, Issue 5, 1 May 2002   https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article/57/5/M262/620575?login=false

 

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Announcements, Residential Aged Care

Exercise and Pain Management: Movement is Medicine.

Posted on by Nicole Cook
senior couple stretching
20
Jul

Senior couple exercising

Pain is a normal part of life, sometimes helpful and often unwelcome, but what should we do when pain starts getting in the way of the things that really matter to us?

When pain becomes a regular, unpleasant addition to daily life, we often feel that rest and medication are the best solutions. Thanks to a growing body of clinical research, we now know that the best way to cope with many painful conditions, is exercise.

Our joints, muscles and cardiovascular systems were made to move and when they are injured or unhealthy, often the best medicine is movement.

How does exercise help?

  • Reduces joint pain and swelling.
  • Assists rehabilitation after a procedure or a flare-up.
  • Slows the deterioration of arthritic joints.
  • Improves mood and sleep.
  • Decreases anxiety and helps fight depression.
  • Essential in managing other chronic conditions that are common for people with ongoing pain, such as diabetes and heart disease.

What is the best exercise?

The idea of starting an exercise program can be daunting and overwhelming. Many of us think that exercise needs to include expensive gym memberships or training for a marathon. The good news is that exercise can be simple, easy, and most importantly- enjoyable! In fact, the best exercise is the exercise you want to do and will do, movement is the medicine.

Where to start:

Small changes, made consistently, can produce the greatest results. Walking, swimming, stretching, indoor exercises and exercises specifically designed for you to do at home are all great ways to kick start a more active life.

People managing chronic, painful conditions may need more help in finding the best exercises for them.  Physiotherapists, Osteopaths and Occupational Therapists are trained to assess, treat, and develop programs that are safe, effective, and enjoyable for people of all ages.

Breaking the cycle of inactivity and worsening pain starts with the first step. Why not take it today?

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