Exercise as an Intervention of Holistic Medicine: Difference between revisions
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<blockquote>Welcome to Arkansas Colleges of Health Education School of Physical Therapy Musculoskeletal 1 Project. This space was created by and for the students at Arkansas Colleges of Health Education School in the United States. Please do not edit unless you are involved in this project, but please come back in the near future to check out new information!</blockquote> | <blockquote>Welcome to Arkansas Colleges of Health Education School of Physical Therapy Musculoskeletal 1 Project. This space was created by and for the students at Arkansas Colleges of Health Education School in the United States. Please do not edit unless you are involved in this project, but please come back in the near future to check out new information!</blockquote> | ||
[[File:Arkansas Colleges of Health Education Physical Therapy Logo.png| | [[File:Arkansas Colleges of Health Education Physical Therapy Logo.png|500x500px|alt=Arkansas Colleges of Health Education, Physical Therapy|thumb|This logo is owned by the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education, located in Fort Smith Arkansas. ]] | ||
== Holistic Medicine- Everything Matters == | == Holistic Medicine- Everything Matters == | ||
'''Holistic medicine''' considers the whole person and addresses underlying causes of health related issues rather than focusing on symptoms. | '''Holistic medicine''' considers the whole person and addresses the underlying causes of health-related issues rather than focusing on symptoms alone. St. Catherine University states that a holistic approach involves the incorporation and treatment of the spirit, body, and mind while simultaneously considering the emotions, culture, and environment that an individual may experience.<ref name=":4">St. Catherine University. What is holistic health? Available from: https://www.stkate.edu/healthcare-degrees/what-is-holistic-health (accessed 4 April 2024)</ref> While modern-day medicine has developed life-saving medical advancements, it has wired society to look at health in terms of symptoms present rather than looking at the individual in their entirety. Each individual is composed of interdependent parts that work together and impact overall well-being. This includes, but is not limited to the following aspects: | ||
''' | * '''Physical Health:''' Food, sleep, ''exercise'', or relaxation are all factors that may mitigate pain in the body, improve bodily health, or even prevent future disease or injury.<ref name=":4" /> This might be what comes to mind when you hear the word "health". However, the body can influence, or be influenced by, other facets of holistic health. This is where physical therapists can play a crucial role in improving the overall health of their patients by educating them about the benefits of exercise. | ||
'''Social:''' | * '''Social Health:''' Connecting with people is one of humanity's most deep and old practices. A common need for humans is to connect with those around them. Loved ones, friends, or peers have a significant impact on how you view yourself, the people around you, or how the world functions. Giving time, resources, and boundaries to those around you can positively impact the social aspect of holistic health.<ref name=":4" /> Exercise can impact social health through the attendance of group fitness classes by reducing feelings of social isolation and loneliness as well as providing opportunities for like minded individuals within a community to interact. Exercise also can impact levels of confidence and mental health which benefit other facets of holistic health. | ||
'''Spiritual:''' | * '''Spiritual Health:''' Humans have an innate desire to connect with something superior to ourselves.<ref name=":4" /> This gives us a deep purpose and additional meaning to pursue living to its extreme. If your sense of purpose is hindered, this will take a toll on other aspects of your health. | ||
'''Mental:''' | * '''Mental and Emotional Health:''' Your mind has needs just like your body does. If it is not receiving adequate stimulation or is not being taken care of in terms of mental health, the mind's connections to your overall well-being might be influenced negatively.<ref name=":4" /> Mental health can be explained as the way that you are able to view and cope with the situations and individuals around you. This can be influenced by other aspects of holistic health such as relational issues (social health) or situational issues (environmental health). Physical health and mental health have been linked through exercise as it has proven to reduce the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal response to stress which in turn lowers factors that may lead to mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression.<ref>Mikkelsen K, Stojanovska L, Polenakovic M, Bosevski M, Apostolopoulos V. Exercise and mental health. Maturitas. 2017;106:48-56.</ref> | ||
* '''Environmental Health:''' Your home, neighborhood, and geographical location are all factors that can impact other aspects of your health.<ref name=":4" /> For instance, if you live in a neighborhood that is in close proximity to a highway, your sleep might be disturbed by too much noise, or it may just provide you with a sense of stress. Either way, your mental health or physical health can be impacted by the environmental factors listed. Therefore, it is important to take into account what type of environment you live in to reduce negative influences on your overall health. Exposure to different environments is easily attainable for the majority of the population and can be attained simply by taking a few steps away from your normal environment. | |||
''' | ''Exercise'' is a tool that can be used to mitigate, prevent, or even treat pain, disease or illnesses. Exercise can even influence multiple factors of holistic health such as the body and the mind in a positive fashion. This is an important point of knowledge that the general public may not be well educated on. In the following sections, there is evidence showing why it is so important to incorporate the tool of exercise as an intervention to holistic medicine to produce well-rounded, healthy individuals. | ||
=== What is Exercise? === | === What is Exercise? === | ||
Terms such as 'exercise', 'physical activity', and 'physical fitness' are often used interchangeably but the framework of each is slightly different. '''Exercise''' is defined as a subset of physical activity that is planned, structured, and repetitive with a final or intermediate objective in mind.<ref>Caspersen | Terms such as 'exercise', 'physical activity', and 'physical fitness' are often used interchangeably but the framework of each is slightly different. '''Exercise''' is defined as a subset of physical activity that is planned, structured, and repetitive with a final or intermediate objective in mind.<ref>Caspersen CJ, Powell KE, Christenson GM. Physical activity, exercise, and physical fitness: definitions and distinctions for health-related research. Public Health Reports 1974;100:126-131</ref> This objective might differ between individuals; some may have an interest in losing weight to feel better in their skin whereas others may be taking action for their physical or mental health. Exercise can influence a large spectrum that includes impairments, dysfunctions, diseases illnesses, and disabilities that currently plague the world. | ||
=== Types of Exercise === | === Types of Exercise === | ||
There are '' | There are 5 ''main types'' of physical activity: | ||
# '''Endurance/Aerobic Exercise:''' This type of exercise specifically aims to increase your heart rate and breathing rate. | # '''Endurance/Aerobic Exercise:''' This type of exercise specifically aims to increase your heart rate and breathing rate.<ref name=":3" /> By doing so, it strengthens your cardiovascular system and can equip you to be able to do more activities, for a longer amount of time. Examples include brisk walking, jogging, swimming, biking, playing sports like pickle-ball or tennis, and even in some cases yard work can be used as an endurance exercise.<ref name=":3">National Institute on Aging. Four types of exercise can improve your health and physical ability. Available from: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-and-physical-activity/four-types-exercise-can-improve-your-health-and-physical (accessed 4 April 2024)</ref> | ||
# '''Strengthening Exercise:''' Strength exercise doesn't have to be limited to using only dumbbells. To strengthen your muscles, you can perform any type of exercise that involves moving weight or resistance with a specific muscle group. An example would be doing bicep curls with a resistance band. Other examples of strengthening exercises include | # '''Strengthening Exercise:''' Strength exercise doesn't have to be limited to using only dumbbells. To strengthen your muscles, you can perform any type of exercise that involves moving weight or resistance with a specific muscle group.<ref name=":3" /> An example would be doing bicep curls with a resistance band. Other examples of strengthening exercises include push-ups, squats, and lifting free weights. | ||
# '''Balance Exercise:''' Practicing and bettering your balance skills is essential to preventing falls that may accompany old age. It may also aid in efficiency and accuracy of other forms of exercise. Examples of balance | # '''Balance Exercise:''' Practicing and bettering your balance skills is essential to preventing falls that may accompany old age.<ref name=":3" /> It may also aid in the efficiency and accuracy of other forms of exercise. Examples of balance exercises include Tai Chi, tandem walking, standing on one foot, or standing up from a seated position.<ref name=":3" /> | ||
# '''Flexibility Exercise:''' Increasing flexibility usually results from performing stretches. Flexibility can affect many different Activities of Daily Living ( | # '''Flexibility Exercise:''' Increasing flexibility usually results from performing stretches.<ref name=":3" /> Flexibility can affect many different Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) in a positive or negative way. Examples of stretches to improve flexibility are: ankle stretches, back stretches, and even some yoga poses.<ref name=":3" /> | ||
'''Note:''' If you feel unsafe performing an exercise or do not think you would be able to perform an exercise alone, talk with your physical therapist. Always remember to breathe while you are exercising and drink water. Do not continue exercise if you feel a sudden onset of pain and be sure to speak with your physical therapist before continuing. | # '''Mind-Body Movement Practices:''' Body movement, mental focus, and controlled breathing together form a multicomponent exercise to help improve strength, balance, and flexibility.<ref name=":1">National Cancer Institute. Definition of mind-body practices. Available from:https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/mind-body-practice (accessed 7 April 2024)</ref> Examples of mind-body movement exercises include yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, and walking meditation.<ref name=":1" /> This type of exercise is different than the other types of exercise. Balance and flexibility exercises of the body facet of holistic medicine are combined with the mind facet. As a result, the 2 facets are further connected and, in turn, can improve the remaining types of exercise. | ||
'''Note:''' ''If you feel unsafe performing an exercise or do not think you would be able to perform an exercise alone, talk with your physical therapist.''<ref name=":3" /> ''Always remember to breathe while you are exercising and drink water.''<ref name=":3" /> ''Do not continue exercise if you feel a sudden onset of pain and be sure to speak with your physical therapist before continuing.'' | |||
The exercises listed above all create physiological responses in the body that can positively influence each facet of holistic medicine. Regardless of the exercise that is chosen, exercise or even physical activity has an undeniable positive effect. | |||
=== How Much Exercise Do I Need? === | === How Much Exercise Do I Need? === | ||
The US Government recommends adults complete at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and perform at least 2 days of muscle-strengthening activity per week. In a research study published in ''Journal Circulation,'' adults | The US Government recommends adults complete at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and perform at least 2 days of muscle-strengthening activity per week.<ref>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Move more; sit less. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm (accessed 4 April 2024) </ref> This recommendation is the minimal requirement to maintain good health. Aerobic exercise accompanied by resistance training can offset body degradation on several levels. This includes but is not limited to balance, walking speed, muscle strength, and neurodegenerative changes that affect cognition and memory.<ref>Bonanni R, Cariati I, Tarantino U, D'Arcangelo G, Tancredi V. Physical exercise and health: a focus on its protective role in neurodegenerative diseases. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 2022;7:38</ref> In a research study published in ''Journal Circulation,'' adults who partake in more exercise than the recommended amount have a reduced risk of mortality.<ref>Lee DH, Rezende LFM, Joh H-K, Keum N, Ferrari G, Pablo Rey-Lopez J, Rimm EB, Tabung FK, Giovannucci EL. Long term leisure-time physical activity intensity and all-cause and cause-specific mortality: a prospective cohort of US adults. AHA Journals 2022;146:523-534</ref> This study also supports the current physical activity guidelines and further suggests that physical activity has a direct correlation with lower mortality. Moreover, a holistic approach often incorporates a well-rounded approach that often exceeds the recommendations provided for the nation to maintain quality of life. | ||
[[File:Move Your Way Adults.png|center|thumb|700x700px| | [[File:Move Your Way Adults.png|center|thumb|700x700px|Health.gov recommendations for adult exercise.]] | ||
==== Benefits of Exercise ==== | ==== Benefits of Exercise ==== | ||
# Exercise can help you maintain, lose, or gain weight. | # Exercise can help you maintain, lose, or gain weight.<ref name=":2" /> | ||
# Exercise can prevent certain health conditions and diseases. | # Exercise can prevent certain health conditions and diseases.<ref name=":2" /> | ||
#* [[Stroke]] | #* [[Stroke]] | ||
#* [[Metabolic Syndrome]] | #* [[Metabolic Syndrome]] | ||
| Line 45: | Line 47: | ||
#* [[Physical Activity in Cancer|Cancer]] | #* [[Physical Activity in Cancer|Cancer]] | ||
#* Osteoporosis | #* Osteoporosis | ||
# Exercise helps regulate chemicals within the brain to improve mood. | #Exercise has shown to slow the progression of Parkinson's disease.<ref>Crotty GF, Schwarzschild MA. Chasing protection in parkinson's disease: does exercise reduce risk and progression? Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 2020;12:186</ref> | ||
# Long-term exercise leads to elevated energy levels. | #Exercise helps regulate chemicals within the brain to improve mood.<ref name=":2" /> | ||
# Regular exercise can help you sleep better at night. | # Long-term exercise leads to elevated energy levels.<ref name=":2" /> | ||
# Exercise can offer sexual benefits. | # Regular exercise can help you sleep better at night.<ref name=":2" /> | ||
# Exercise can offer sexual benefits.<ref name=":2" /> | |||
## Increases your libido. | ## Increases your libido. | ||
## Increased confidence in your own physical appearance. | ## Increased confidence in your own physical appearance. | ||
# Exercise can be a social event.<ref> | # Exercise can be a social event.<ref name=":2">Mayo Clinic. Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389 (accessed 4 April 2024)</ref> | ||
<gallery widths="900" heights="400"> | # Exercise can prevent neurodegenerative changes. | ||
File:Benefits-exercise-nia.png | # Exercise can expose you to a variety of natural environments. | ||
The above benefits of exercise demonstrate benefits beyond the physical facet of holistic health. Mental, social, and environmental health are all also influenced by the benefits of exercise which reiterates the importance exercise as an intervention of holistic medicine. <gallery widths="900" heights="400"> | |||
File:Benefits-exercise-nia.png|<nowiki>https://www.nia.nih.gov</nowiki>: mental health benefits of exercise and physical activity | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
=== Exercise is Medicine® === | === Exercise is Medicine® === | ||
Exercise is Medicine is a health initiative created by the American College of Sports Medicine that is working to make the assessment and promotion of physical activity a healthcare standard. | Exercise is Medicine is a health initiative created by the American College of Sports Medicine that is working to make the assessment and promotion of physical activity a healthcare standard.<ref>Exercise is Medicine. Exercise is medicine: a global health initiative. Available from https://www.exerciseismedicine.org/ (accessed 4 April 2024)</ref> | ||
The negative effects of exercise are widely known; however, there is a lack of information provided to patients in the clinic about the positive effects exercise can have on our lives. Healthcare providers must inform their patients of the risks of being sedentary and prescribe regular exercise to their patients. The lack of time available for primary care practitioners to spend with patients often causes physical activity to be placed lower on the priority list of recommendations. Physical therapists should be having this conversation with their patients and encouraging patients to obtain at minimum the recommended levels of exercise. <ref name=":0">Thompson WR, Sallis R, Joy E, Jaworski CA, Stuhr RM, Trilk JL. Exercise is medicine. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. 2020;14:511-523</ref> | |||
=== Longevity with Exercise === | |||
In a world where stress is predominant and sedentary lifestyles are common, it is important to utilize physical activity and exercise to promote longevity. The British Journal of Sports Medicine published a study that found that regular exercise can increase life expectancy by up to 7 years.<ref>Reimers CD, Knapp G, Reimers AK. Does physical activity increase life expectancy? a review of the literature. Journal of Aging research 2012;2012:1-9</ref> By developing a routine and incorporating exercise, the benefits will outweigh the burdens. | |||
However, if exercise is omitted or neglected, it can be very detrimental to overall health. Lack of exercise in a consistent routine can potentially lead to the onset of 40 chronic health conditions, including premature mortality.<ref>Ruegsegger GN, Booth FW. Health benefits of exercise. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine 2018;8</ref> There have been 7 different types of cancer that have been linked to a sedentary, or physically inactive, lifestyle; there is also an increased risk of depression with insufficient exercise in weekly routines.<ref name=":0" /> Evidence has shown that exercise can be utilized as a treatment method for multiple diseases. This is because exercise reduces the risk of onset and can counteract the progression of disease. Exercise, or lack thereof, can be critical in affecting the health and well-being of a person. | |||
=== How does Exercise influence Holistic Approaches to Medicine? === | |||
=== | If exercise was prescribed alongside pharmaceutical medications, patients would see positive changes in their overall health in comparison to just a prescription medication. Incorporating exercise into a medicinal approach invites other benefits that treat more than the symptoms of illness and offers a more holistic care plan. Physical therapists should prescribe exercise as a means of prevention as well as for recovery and pain management. Exercise can prevent the development of adverse psychosocial diagnoses such as depression and anxiety as well as adverse diagnoses related to cardiovascular health.<ref>U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical activity and health: a report of the surgeon general. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/pdf/sgrfull.pdf (accessed 4 April 2024)</ref> If physical therapists prescribed exercise in a preventive manner the likelihood of these patients attending treatment for adverse diagnoses in the future would decline. Overall, patients have shown to benefit from holistic healthcare approaches and exercise is key to implement within a patient's plan of care. | ||
Exercise that is prescribed versus exercise that is completed within a daily routine has the same benefits. However, the motivation behind an individual's exercise may differ and, in turn, may affect the outcome of said exercise. A common mindset surrounding the general population is that exercise is just expected of us and makes us "strong." It may be hard to remove the stigma that exercise is hard and has few benefits, leading to a decline in exercise adherence. As physical therapists, it is essential to shift our patients' perspectives to having a positive mindset surrounding exercise by informing our patients of the benefits that result. Exercise can alleviate many common issues faced by the public, in that it is preventative of chronic disease, a treatment for chronic disease, a mitigator of poor mental health, and an influencer to new environments and social experiences. | |||
=== | === Conclusion - Bringing It All Together === | ||
Holistic medicine, lifestyle medicine, and integrative medicine are all terms that overlap significantly. Holistic medicine, in its complexity, is formed by pillars of physical health, social health, spiritual health, mental and emotional health, as well as environmental health. Looking deeper into the function of holistic medicine, there is an undeniable connection between various aspects of health and the bodies systems and organs. As physical therapists, it is our duty to take our knowledge of the musculoskeletal system and provide education to our patients on the importance of exercise along with its benefits. Scientific research provides supportive evidence that exercise can be used as an intervention of holistic medicine to improve not only the physical body but the mind and spirit which all work together as one. | |||
Exercise prescribed as an intervention of holistic medicine aims to influence all pillars of holistic health. The physiological responses to exercise occur in the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, hormonal, and immune systems all of which play a role on the wholeness of an individual. | |||
In conclusion, when the body is working well, each pillar of holistic medicine is functioning like it should. When an individual feels good about themselves, quality of life is enhanced and long life is made possible for the individual and their environment. | |||
=== References === | === References === | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
Latest revision as of 22:31, 12 April 2024
Welcome to Arkansas Colleges of Health Education School of Physical Therapy Musculoskeletal 1 Project. This space was created by and for the students at Arkansas Colleges of Health Education School in the United States. Please do not edit unless you are involved in this project, but please come back in the near future to check out new information!
Holistic Medicine- Everything Matters[edit | edit source]
Holistic medicine considers the whole person and addresses the underlying causes of health-related issues rather than focusing on symptoms alone. St. Catherine University states that a holistic approach involves the incorporation and treatment of the spirit, body, and mind while simultaneously considering the emotions, culture, and environment that an individual may experience.[1] While modern-day medicine has developed life-saving medical advancements, it has wired society to look at health in terms of symptoms present rather than looking at the individual in their entirety. Each individual is composed of interdependent parts that work together and impact overall well-being. This includes, but is not limited to the following aspects:
- Physical Health: Food, sleep, exercise, or relaxation are all factors that may mitigate pain in the body, improve bodily health, or even prevent future disease or injury.[1] This might be what comes to mind when you hear the word "health". However, the body can influence, or be influenced by, other facets of holistic health. This is where physical therapists can play a crucial role in improving the overall health of their patients by educating them about the benefits of exercise.
- Social Health: Connecting with people is one of humanity's most deep and old practices. A common need for humans is to connect with those around them. Loved ones, friends, or peers have a significant impact on how you view yourself, the people around you, or how the world functions. Giving time, resources, and boundaries to those around you can positively impact the social aspect of holistic health.[1] Exercise can impact social health through the attendance of group fitness classes by reducing feelings of social isolation and loneliness as well as providing opportunities for like minded individuals within a community to interact. Exercise also can impact levels of confidence and mental health which benefit other facets of holistic health.
- Spiritual Health: Humans have an innate desire to connect with something superior to ourselves.[1] This gives us a deep purpose and additional meaning to pursue living to its extreme. If your sense of purpose is hindered, this will take a toll on other aspects of your health.
- Mental and Emotional Health: Your mind has needs just like your body does. If it is not receiving adequate stimulation or is not being taken care of in terms of mental health, the mind's connections to your overall well-being might be influenced negatively.[1] Mental health can be explained as the way that you are able to view and cope with the situations and individuals around you. This can be influenced by other aspects of holistic health such as relational issues (social health) or situational issues (environmental health). Physical health and mental health have been linked through exercise as it has proven to reduce the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal response to stress which in turn lowers factors that may lead to mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression.[2]
- Environmental Health: Your home, neighborhood, and geographical location are all factors that can impact other aspects of your health.[1] For instance, if you live in a neighborhood that is in close proximity to a highway, your sleep might be disturbed by too much noise, or it may just provide you with a sense of stress. Either way, your mental health or physical health can be impacted by the environmental factors listed. Therefore, it is important to take into account what type of environment you live in to reduce negative influences on your overall health. Exposure to different environments is easily attainable for the majority of the population and can be attained simply by taking a few steps away from your normal environment.
Exercise is a tool that can be used to mitigate, prevent, or even treat pain, disease or illnesses. Exercise can even influence multiple factors of holistic health such as the body and the mind in a positive fashion. This is an important point of knowledge that the general public may not be well educated on. In the following sections, there is evidence showing why it is so important to incorporate the tool of exercise as an intervention to holistic medicine to produce well-rounded, healthy individuals.
What is Exercise?[edit | edit source]
Terms such as 'exercise', 'physical activity', and 'physical fitness' are often used interchangeably but the framework of each is slightly different. Exercise is defined as a subset of physical activity that is planned, structured, and repetitive with a final or intermediate objective in mind.[3] This objective might differ between individuals; some may have an interest in losing weight to feel better in their skin whereas others may be taking action for their physical or mental health. Exercise can influence a large spectrum that includes impairments, dysfunctions, diseases illnesses, and disabilities that currently plague the world.
Types of Exercise[edit | edit source]
There are 5 main types of physical activity:
- Endurance/Aerobic Exercise: This type of exercise specifically aims to increase your heart rate and breathing rate.[4] By doing so, it strengthens your cardiovascular system and can equip you to be able to do more activities, for a longer amount of time. Examples include brisk walking, jogging, swimming, biking, playing sports like pickle-ball or tennis, and even in some cases yard work can be used as an endurance exercise.[4]
- Strengthening Exercise: Strength exercise doesn't have to be limited to using only dumbbells. To strengthen your muscles, you can perform any type of exercise that involves moving weight or resistance with a specific muscle group.[4] An example would be doing bicep curls with a resistance band. Other examples of strengthening exercises include push-ups, squats, and lifting free weights.
- Balance Exercise: Practicing and bettering your balance skills is essential to preventing falls that may accompany old age.[4] It may also aid in the efficiency and accuracy of other forms of exercise. Examples of balance exercises include Tai Chi, tandem walking, standing on one foot, or standing up from a seated position.[4]
- Flexibility Exercise: Increasing flexibility usually results from performing stretches.[4] Flexibility can affect many different Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) in a positive or negative way. Examples of stretches to improve flexibility are: ankle stretches, back stretches, and even some yoga poses.[4]
- Mind-Body Movement Practices: Body movement, mental focus, and controlled breathing together form a multicomponent exercise to help improve strength, balance, and flexibility.[5] Examples of mind-body movement exercises include yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, and walking meditation.[5] This type of exercise is different than the other types of exercise. Balance and flexibility exercises of the body facet of holistic medicine are combined with the mind facet. As a result, the 2 facets are further connected and, in turn, can improve the remaining types of exercise.
Note: If you feel unsafe performing an exercise or do not think you would be able to perform an exercise alone, talk with your physical therapist.[4] Always remember to breathe while you are exercising and drink water.[4] Do not continue exercise if you feel a sudden onset of pain and be sure to speak with your physical therapist before continuing.
The exercises listed above all create physiological responses in the body that can positively influence each facet of holistic medicine. Regardless of the exercise that is chosen, exercise or even physical activity has an undeniable positive effect.
How Much Exercise Do I Need?[edit | edit source]
The US Government recommends adults complete at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and perform at least 2 days of muscle-strengthening activity per week.[6] This recommendation is the minimal requirement to maintain good health. Aerobic exercise accompanied by resistance training can offset body degradation on several levels. This includes but is not limited to balance, walking speed, muscle strength, and neurodegenerative changes that affect cognition and memory.[7] In a research study published in Journal Circulation, adults who partake in more exercise than the recommended amount have a reduced risk of mortality.[8] This study also supports the current physical activity guidelines and further suggests that physical activity has a direct correlation with lower mortality. Moreover, a holistic approach often incorporates a well-rounded approach that often exceeds the recommendations provided for the nation to maintain quality of life.
Benefits of Exercise[edit | edit source]
- Exercise can help you maintain, lose, or gain weight.[9]
- Exercise can prevent certain health conditions and diseases.[9]
- Stroke
- Metabolic Syndrome
- High Blood Pressure
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Mental Health Disorders
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Cancer
- Osteoporosis
- Exercise has shown to slow the progression of Parkinson's disease.[10]
- Exercise helps regulate chemicals within the brain to improve mood.[9]
- Long-term exercise leads to elevated energy levels.[9]
- Regular exercise can help you sleep better at night.[9]
- Exercise can offer sexual benefits.[9]
- Increases your libido.
- Increased confidence in your own physical appearance.
- Exercise can be a social event.[9]
- Exercise can prevent neurodegenerative changes.
- Exercise can expose you to a variety of natural environments.
The above benefits of exercise demonstrate benefits beyond the physical facet of holistic health. Mental, social, and environmental health are all also influenced by the benefits of exercise which reiterates the importance exercise as an intervention of holistic medicine.
https://www.nia.nih.gov: mental health benefits of exercise and physical activity
Exercise is Medicine®[edit | edit source]
Exercise is Medicine is a health initiative created by the American College of Sports Medicine that is working to make the assessment and promotion of physical activity a healthcare standard.[11]
The negative effects of exercise are widely known; however, there is a lack of information provided to patients in the clinic about the positive effects exercise can have on our lives. Healthcare providers must inform their patients of the risks of being sedentary and prescribe regular exercise to their patients. The lack of time available for primary care practitioners to spend with patients often causes physical activity to be placed lower on the priority list of recommendations. Physical therapists should be having this conversation with their patients and encouraging patients to obtain at minimum the recommended levels of exercise. [12]
Longevity with Exercise[edit | edit source]
In a world where stress is predominant and sedentary lifestyles are common, it is important to utilize physical activity and exercise to promote longevity. The British Journal of Sports Medicine published a study that found that regular exercise can increase life expectancy by up to 7 years.[13] By developing a routine and incorporating exercise, the benefits will outweigh the burdens.
However, if exercise is omitted or neglected, it can be very detrimental to overall health. Lack of exercise in a consistent routine can potentially lead to the onset of 40 chronic health conditions, including premature mortality.[14] There have been 7 different types of cancer that have been linked to a sedentary, or physically inactive, lifestyle; there is also an increased risk of depression with insufficient exercise in weekly routines.[12] Evidence has shown that exercise can be utilized as a treatment method for multiple diseases. This is because exercise reduces the risk of onset and can counteract the progression of disease. Exercise, or lack thereof, can be critical in affecting the health and well-being of a person.
How does Exercise influence Holistic Approaches to Medicine?[edit | edit source]
If exercise was prescribed alongside pharmaceutical medications, patients would see positive changes in their overall health in comparison to just a prescription medication. Incorporating exercise into a medicinal approach invites other benefits that treat more than the symptoms of illness and offers a more holistic care plan. Physical therapists should prescribe exercise as a means of prevention as well as for recovery and pain management. Exercise can prevent the development of adverse psychosocial diagnoses such as depression and anxiety as well as adverse diagnoses related to cardiovascular health.[15] If physical therapists prescribed exercise in a preventive manner the likelihood of these patients attending treatment for adverse diagnoses in the future would decline. Overall, patients have shown to benefit from holistic healthcare approaches and exercise is key to implement within a patient's plan of care.
Exercise that is prescribed versus exercise that is completed within a daily routine has the same benefits. However, the motivation behind an individual's exercise may differ and, in turn, may affect the outcome of said exercise. A common mindset surrounding the general population is that exercise is just expected of us and makes us "strong." It may be hard to remove the stigma that exercise is hard and has few benefits, leading to a decline in exercise adherence. As physical therapists, it is essential to shift our patients' perspectives to having a positive mindset surrounding exercise by informing our patients of the benefits that result. Exercise can alleviate many common issues faced by the public, in that it is preventative of chronic disease, a treatment for chronic disease, a mitigator of poor mental health, and an influencer to new environments and social experiences.
Conclusion - Bringing It All Together[edit | edit source]
Holistic medicine, lifestyle medicine, and integrative medicine are all terms that overlap significantly. Holistic medicine, in its complexity, is formed by pillars of physical health, social health, spiritual health, mental and emotional health, as well as environmental health. Looking deeper into the function of holistic medicine, there is an undeniable connection between various aspects of health and the bodies systems and organs. As physical therapists, it is our duty to take our knowledge of the musculoskeletal system and provide education to our patients on the importance of exercise along with its benefits. Scientific research provides supportive evidence that exercise can be used as an intervention of holistic medicine to improve not only the physical body but the mind and spirit which all work together as one.
Exercise prescribed as an intervention of holistic medicine aims to influence all pillars of holistic health. The physiological responses to exercise occur in the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, hormonal, and immune systems all of which play a role on the wholeness of an individual.
In conclusion, when the body is working well, each pillar of holistic medicine is functioning like it should. When an individual feels good about themselves, quality of life is enhanced and long life is made possible for the individual and their environment.
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 St. Catherine University. What is holistic health? Available from: https://www.stkate.edu/healthcare-degrees/what-is-holistic-health (accessed 4 April 2024)
- ↑ Mikkelsen K, Stojanovska L, Polenakovic M, Bosevski M, Apostolopoulos V. Exercise and mental health. Maturitas. 2017;106:48-56.
- ↑ Caspersen CJ, Powell KE, Christenson GM. Physical activity, exercise, and physical fitness: definitions and distinctions for health-related research. Public Health Reports 1974;100:126-131
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 National Institute on Aging. Four types of exercise can improve your health and physical ability. Available from: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-and-physical-activity/four-types-exercise-can-improve-your-health-and-physical (accessed 4 April 2024)
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 National Cancer Institute. Definition of mind-body practices. Available from:https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/mind-body-practice (accessed 7 April 2024)
- ↑ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Move more; sit less. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm (accessed 4 April 2024)
- ↑ Bonanni R, Cariati I, Tarantino U, D'Arcangelo G, Tancredi V. Physical exercise and health: a focus on its protective role in neurodegenerative diseases. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology 2022;7:38
- ↑ Lee DH, Rezende LFM, Joh H-K, Keum N, Ferrari G, Pablo Rey-Lopez J, Rimm EB, Tabung FK, Giovannucci EL. Long term leisure-time physical activity intensity and all-cause and cause-specific mortality: a prospective cohort of US adults. AHA Journals 2022;146:523-534
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 Mayo Clinic. Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389 (accessed 4 April 2024)
- ↑ Crotty GF, Schwarzschild MA. Chasing protection in parkinson's disease: does exercise reduce risk and progression? Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 2020;12:186
- ↑ Exercise is Medicine. Exercise is medicine: a global health initiative. Available from https://www.exerciseismedicine.org/ (accessed 4 April 2024)
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Thompson WR, Sallis R, Joy E, Jaworski CA, Stuhr RM, Trilk JL. Exercise is medicine. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. 2020;14:511-523
- ↑ Reimers CD, Knapp G, Reimers AK. Does physical activity increase life expectancy? a review of the literature. Journal of Aging research 2012;2012:1-9
- ↑ Ruegsegger GN, Booth FW. Health benefits of exercise. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine 2018;8
- ↑ U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical activity and health: a report of the surgeon general. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/pdf/sgrfull.pdf (accessed 4 April 2024)
