physical activity – SEMS-journal

exercise is medicine

The therapeutic role of exercise training in vascular diseases

It is well known that regular exercise training reduces the risk of developing cardio-vascular diseases. Therefore, along with cardiovascular risk factor management and pharmacological treatment, exercise training is considered a cornerstone of therapeutic care in patients with cardio-vascular diseases.

exercise is medicine PA promotion Mental health sports and society

SSSPP Position paper: Physical activity and mental health

Promoting physical activity (PA) has not yet been established as a standard procedure in psychiatric care. Psychiatric patients are at higher chance to be physically inactive which contributes to increased morbidity and mortality. Regular PA has shown to improve mental wellbeing in the general population and reduces the risk to develop several mental disorders. Assessing PA and motivation for change should be established as routine in psychiatric practice.

exercise is medicine neurology PA promotion

The role of physical activity in primary stroke prevention

Physical inactivity is a known risk factor for stroke. The interaction between exercise and risk of stroke is complex. Physical activity has a beneficial effect on most risk factors for stroke, which may show reciprocal potentiation (e.g. obesity, sleep apnea, atrial fibrillation). Advice on physical activity is of importance in primary prevention of stroke. Hereby, type, amount and intensity of physical activity may be distinguished and adjusted according to comorbidities (e.g. in case of heart failure).

exercise is medicine PA promotion training

From sedentary and physical inactive behaviors to the Race Across America (RAAM): a case report

This case report presents the evolution of physiological and psychological health parameters of a former sedentary and physically inactive nursing student during an 18 months period (three academic semesters), during which she first took part to a one-semester institutional physical activity (PA) program offered by her University, before being selected to participate in relay to the Race Across America (RAAM) with a team of the University. The four months before the RAAM, she followed a cycling specific training program. After the RAAM, she was followed-up the next eight months.

exercise is medicine neurology PA promotion

Physical activity in secondary stroke prevention

After having a stroke the main challenges are reducing the risk of recurrent stroke, improving impaired brain function, quality of life, independence in activities of daily living and reintegration into the community. [1] Lesion-induced impairment of brain function also has, besides its effects on e.g. motor, sensory, visual and speech function, an influence on e.g. cognition and mood, all of which are determinants of post-stroke physical activity. The evidence for a benefit of physical activity in secondary stroke prevention is increasing and treatment strategies aimed at factors which are limiting physical activity are more and more recognized.

exercise is medicine oncology

Physical activity and cancer

This article aims to summarize the literature on the role of physical activity in cancer patients and to propose exercise programs based on studies and recommendations. Medical advances with improved early diagnosis and treatment have increased the number of cancer survivors. At the same time, the quality of life of these patients must also be improved. In the different stages of the disease physical activity has an important role to play with its beneficial effects on fatigue, physical condition, mood etc. Collaboration between health system actors and patient education are the key to success in this multi-disciplinary care.

exercise is medicine sports and society

Physical Activity Is an Opportunity for the Health of Nations: What Should We Do Next?

Physical activity provides huge opportunities for the health of nations. Understanding this, the World Health Organization has published a Global Action Plan which aims to provide member states with a framework for action, namely to create active societies, people, environments and systems. The target is set at a 15% reduction in physical inactivity levels by 2030. We explore in this paper some of the challenges and opportunities that come with it, and give the practitioner some real-world opportunities for relevant action at the local level, as well as for their patients, staying true to the Physician’s Pledge (Declaration of Geneva): “I will attend to my own health, well-being, and abilities in order to provide care of the highest standard.”

exercise is medicine sports and youth

Activity guidelines for children and adolescents in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

The benefits of physical activity for the healthy development of children and adolescents are now undisputed. Therefore, recommendations for physical activity based on current scientific knowledge are installed. Although there are national differences, the primary goal is to motivate children and adolescents in different settings to be more active and less inactive. The extent to which this is possible or what factors are necessary at a political, scientific and actor-oriented level is critically discussed in this article.

exercise is medicine oncology

Physical activity and oncological hemopathies: role of the sports medicine doctor

As demonstrated for most of solid tumors, recent clinical studies clearly suggested that physical activity could play a key role in the management of patients with hematological malignancies, as a non-drug therapy. Physical activity interventions contribute to improve the quality of life of patients, mainly by reducing cancer-related fatigue (P<0.005), enhancing physical functioning (P<0.001), reducing the prevalence of depression including minor and major depressive episodes (P<0.05). However, if physical activity appears to be beneficial for patients with hematological malignancies, research is required to determine the benefits of different physical activities (i.e. type of exercise, intensity, frequency), and decipher the appropriate timing of intervention initiation.

exercise is medicine neurology sports and society sports medicine

Physical activity and cognitive function in older persons

Strategies to improve cognitive aging are highly needed. Among those, promotion of exercise and physical activity appears as one of the most attractive and beneficial intervention. Indeed, results from basic and clinical studies suggest that exercise and physical activity have positive effects on cognition in older persons without cognitive impairment, as well as in those with dementia. Despite inconsistent results, aerobic exercise appears to have the strongest potential to enhance cognition. However, even limited periods of walking (45 minutes, three times a week, over a 6-month period) have also been shown to enhance cognition, particularly executive functions.