Exercise as an Intervention of Holistic Medicine: Difference between revisions

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== Holistic Medicine- Everything Matters ==
== Holistic Medicine- Everything Matters ==
'''Holistic medicine''' considers the whole person and addresses the underlying causes of health-related issues rather than focusing on symptoms alone. A holistic approach involves the incorporation and treatment of the spirt, body, and mind while simultaneously considering the emotions, culture, and environment that an individual may experience.<ref>''What is holistic health? Overview and career outcomes''. (2022, May 20). What Is Holistic Health? Overview and Career Outcomes | St. Catherine University. <nowiki>https://www.stkate.edu/healthcare-degrees/what-is-holistic-health</nowiki></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 emotional, social, spiritual, mental, and physical health which make up the facets of holistic medicine. <ref name=":1">The Medicinal Cannabis Library. (2021, June 22). ''Understanding The Holistic Approach'' . Polln. <nowiki>https://www.polln.com/medicinal-cannabis-library/holistic-health-you</nowiki></ref>       
'''Holistic medicine''' considers the whole person and addresses the underlying causes of health-related issues rather than focusing on symptoms alone. A holistic approach involves the incorporation and treatment of the spirt, body, and mind while simultaneously considering the emotions, culture, and environment that an individual may experience.<ref>St. Catherine University. What is holistic health? Available from: <nowiki>https://www.stkate.edu/healthcare-degrees/what-is-holistic-health</nowiki> (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 emotional, social, spiritual, mental, and physical health which make up the facets of holistic medicine. <ref name=":1">The Medicinal Cannabis Library. Understanding the holistic approach. Available from: <nowiki>https://www.polln.com/medicinal-cannabis-library/holistic-health-you</nowiki> (accessed 4 April 2024)</ref>       


* '''Emotional:''' Emotional health refers to the person's self-awareness and coping abilities in a range of situations and environments. This includes the person's ability to control moods and emotions that fluctuate day to day. Emotional regulation with mindfulness and meditation can help manage stress and build resilience.<ref name=":1" />
* '''Emotional:''' Emotional health refers to the person's self-awareness and coping abilities in a range of situations and environments. This includes the person's ability to control moods and emotions that fluctuate day to day. Emotional regulation with mindfulness and meditation can help manage stress and build resilience.<ref name=":1" />
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=== 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, C. J., Powell, K. E., & Christenson, G. M. (1985). Physical activity, exercise, and physical fitness: definitions and distinctions for health-related research. Public health reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974), 100(2), 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.     
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 5 ''main types'' of physical activity:
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. If this type of exercise is consistent, your lungs, heart, and circulatory system will also become more fit as a result. Examples include brisk walking, jogging, swimming, biking, playing sports like tennis, and even yard work.<ref name=":1" />
# '''Endurance/Aerobic Exercise:''' This type of exercise specifically aims to increase your heart rate and breathing rate. If this type of exercise is consistent, your lungs, heart, and circulatory system will also become more fit as a result. Examples include brisk walking, jogging, swimming, biking, playing sports like tennis, and even yard work.<ref name=":3">National Institute on Aging. Four types of exercise can improve your health and physical ability. Available from: <nowiki>https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-and-physical-activity/four-types-exercise-can-improve-your-health-and-physical</nowiki> (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 push-ups, squats, and lifting weights.<ref name=":1" />
# '''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 push-ups, squats, and lifting weights.<ref name=":3" />
# '''Balance Exercise:'''  Practicing and bettering your balance skills is essential to preventing falls that may accompany old age. 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=":1" />
# '''Balance Exercise:'''  Practicing and bettering your balance skills is essential to preventing falls that may accompany old age. 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 (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=":1" />
# '''Flexibility Exercise:'''  Increasing flexibility usually results from performing stretches. 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" />
# '''Mind-Body Movement Practices:''' Body movement, mental focus, and controlled breathing together form a multicomponent exercise to help improve strength, balance, and flexibility. Examples of mind-body movement exercises include yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, and walking meditation.<ref name=":1" />
# '''Mind-Body Movement Practices:''' Body movement, mental focus, and controlled breathing together form a multicomponent exercise to help improve strength, balance, and flexibility. Examples of mind-body movement exercises include yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, and walking meditation.<ref name=":1" />
'''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.<ref name=":1">''Four types of exercise can improve your health and physical ability''. National Institute on Aging. <nowiki>https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-and-physical-activity/four-types-exercise-can-improve-your-health-and-physical</nowiki> </ref>
'''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.<ref name=":3" />


=== 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.<ref>CDC. (2023, June 22). ''Move more; sit less''. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. <nowiki>https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm</nowiki> </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. (2022). Physical Exercise and Health: A Focus on Its Protective Role in Neurodegenerative Diseases. ''Journal of functional morphology and kinesiology'', ''7''(2), 38. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk7020038</nowiki></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. This study also supports the current physical activity guidelines and further suggests that physical activity has a direct correlation with lower mortality.<ref>Lee, D. H., Rezende, L. F. M., Joh, H.-K., Keum, N., Ferrari, G., Pablo Rey-Lopez, J., Rimm, E. B., Tabung, F. K., & Giovannucci, E. L. (2022, July 25). ''Long-Term Leisure-Time Physical Activity Intensity and All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality: A Prospective Cohort of US Adults''. ahajournals.org. <nowiki>https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.121.058162#d2359402e1</nowiki></ref> Moreover, a holistic approach often incorporates a well-rounded approach that often exceeds the recommendations provided for the nation to maintain quality of life.   
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: <nowiki>https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm</nowiki> (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. This study also supports the current physical activity guidelines and further suggests that physical activity has a direct correlation with lower 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> 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|nHealth.gov recommendations for adult exercise.]]  
[[File:Move Your Way Adults.png|center|thumb|700x700px|nHealth.gov recommendations for adult exercise.]]  


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#* [[Physical Activity in Cancer|Cancer]]
#* [[Physical Activity in Cancer|Cancer]]
#* Osteoporosis
#* Osteoporosis
#Exercise has shown to slow the progression of Parkinson's disease.<ref>Crotty, G. F., & Schwarzschild, M. A. (2020). Chasing Protection in Parkinson’s Disease: Does Exercise Reduce Risk and Progression? ''Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience'', ''12'', 531113. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2020.00186</nowiki></ref>
#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>
#Exercise helps regulate chemicals within the brain to improve mood.<ref name=":2" />
#Exercise helps regulate chemicals within the brain to improve mood.<ref name=":2" />
# Long-term exercise leads to elevated energy levels.<ref name=":2" />
# Long-term exercise leads to elevated energy levels.<ref name=":2" />
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## 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 name=":2">''Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity''. (2023, August 26). Mayo Clinic. <nowiki>https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389</nowiki></ref>
# Exercise can be a social event.<ref name=":2">Mayo Clinic. Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity. Available from: <nowiki>https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389</nowiki> (accessed 4 April 2024)</ref>
# Exercise can prevent neurodegenerative changes.
# Exercise can prevent neurodegenerative changes.
<gallery widths="900" heights="400">
<gallery widths="900" heights="400">
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=== 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.<ref>Exercise is Medicine. (2022, November 2). ''Exercise is Medicine - Exercise is Medicine''. Exercise Is Medicine - Exercise Is Medicine. <nowiki>https://www.exerciseismedicine.org/</nowiki></ref>  
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 <nowiki>https://www.exerciseismedicine.org/</nowiki> (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, W. R., Sallis, R., Joy, E., Jaworski, C. A., Stuhr, R. M., & Trilk, J. L. (2020). Exercise Is Medicine. ''American journal of lifestyle medicine'', ''14''(5), 511–523. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827620912192</nowiki></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 ===
=== 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, C. D., Knapp, G., & Reimers, A. K. (2012). Does physical activity increase life expectancy? A review of the literature. ''Journal of aging research'', ''2012'', 243958. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/243958</nowiki></ref> By developing a routine and incorporating exercise, the benefits will outweigh the burdens.
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, G. N., & Booth, F. W. (2018). Health Benefits of Exercise. ''Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine'', ''8''(7), a029694. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1101/cshperspect.a029694</nowiki></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.
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? ===
=== How does Exercise influence Holistic Approaches to Medicine? ===
If exercise was prescribed alongside pharmaceutical medications, patients would see positive changes in their overall health. 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. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 1996.</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.  
If exercise was prescribed alongside pharmaceutical medications, patients would see positive changes in their overall health. 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.  


=== References ===
=== References ===
<references />
<references />

Revision as of 05:44, 5 April 2024

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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. A holistic approach involves the incorporation and treatment of the spirt, 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 emotional, social, spiritual, mental, and physical health which make up the facets of holistic medicine. [2]

  • Emotional: Emotional health refers to the person's self-awareness and coping abilities in a range of situations and environments. This includes the person's ability to control moods and emotions that fluctuate day to day. Emotional regulation with mindfulness and meditation can help manage stress and build resilience.[2]
  • Social: Social health is linked to higher-quality physical and mental health. Healthy and meaningful relationships help promote social practices such as engagement in the community, new experiences, and in-person connections. [2]
  • Spiritual: Spiritual health may be defined as a connection to the intangible or non-physical parts of life or can imply a connection to faith. Spiritual health can be practiced by spending time outside, practicing faith, or engaging in the community with others who have similar spiritual beliefs. While spirituality may mean something different to each person, it plays a connecting role in holistic medicine.[2]
  • Mental: Mental health refers to your overall cognitive well-being and the functional status of your brain rather than emotions. Biological factors, socioeconomic pressures, and physical well-being can all impact a person's mental health. A combination of self-directed activities, management of stress, therapy, and natural remedies are just a few holistic forms that can support mental health. [2]
  • Physical: Physical health is the most common facet known when referencing health. This facet of holistic medicine assesses the body's function and includes pain, illness, fatigue, and tension which can indicate a health imbalance. These symptoms can manifest which can pour into other facets of holistic medicine. This is why getting quality sleep, eating nutrient-dense foods, and intentional exercise can regulate imbalances and optimize health.[2]

Exercise is one aspect of holistic medicine that can be used to unite the mind-body connection to improve health and overall quality of life, which falls underneath the physical facet of holistic medicine but influences all of the above.[2]

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:

  1. Endurance/Aerobic Exercise: This type of exercise specifically aims to increase your heart rate and breathing rate. If this type of exercise is consistent, your lungs, heart, and circulatory system will also become more fit as a result. Examples include brisk walking, jogging, swimming, biking, playing sports like tennis, and even yard work.[4]
  2. 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 push-ups, squats, and lifting weights.[4]
  3. Balance Exercise: Practicing and bettering your balance skills is essential to preventing falls that may accompany old age. 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]
  4. Flexibility Exercise: Increasing flexibility usually results from performing stretches. 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]
  5. Mind-Body Movement Practices: Body movement, mental focus, and controlled breathing together form a multicomponent exercise to help improve strength, balance, and flexibility. Examples of mind-body movement exercises include yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, and walking meditation.[2]

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.[4]

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.[5] 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.[6] In a research study published in Journal Circulation, adults who partake in more exercise than the recommended amount have a reduced risk of mortality. This study also supports the current physical activity guidelines and further suggests that physical activity has a direct correlation with lower mortality.[7] Moreover, a holistic approach often incorporates a well-rounded approach that often exceeds the recommendations provided for the nation to maintain quality of life.

nHealth.gov recommendations for adult exercise.

Benefits of Exercise[edit | edit source]

  1. Exercise can help you maintain, lose, or gain weight.[8]
  2. Exercise can prevent certain health conditions and diseases.[8]
  3. Exercise has shown to slow the progression of Parkinson's disease.[9]
  4. Exercise helps regulate chemicals within the brain to improve mood.[8]
  5. Long-term exercise leads to elevated energy levels.[8]
  6. Regular exercise can help you sleep better at night.[8]
  7. Exercise can offer sexual benefits.[8]
    1. Increases your libido.
    2. Increased confidence in your own physical appearance.
  8. Exercise can be a social event.[8]
  9. Exercise can prevent neurodegenerative changes.

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.[10]

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. [11]

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.[12] 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.[13] 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.[11] 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. 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.[14] 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.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. St. Catherine University. What is holistic health? Available from: https://www.stkate.edu/healthcare-degrees/what-is-holistic-health (accessed 4 April 2024)
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 The Medicinal Cannabis Library. Understanding the holistic approach. Available from: https://www.polln.com/medicinal-cannabis-library/holistic-health-you (accessed 4 April 2024)
  3. 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. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 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. 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)
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 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)
  9. Crotty GF, Schwarzschild MA. Chasing protection in parkinson's disease: does exercise reduce risk and progression? Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 2020;12:186
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