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Definition
Exercise is physical activity that is planned, structured, and repetitive for the purpose of conditioning any part of the body or to improve performance in a specific task. Exercise is utilized to improve health, maintain fitness, and is important as a means of physical rehabilitation.
Purpose
Exercise is used in preventing or treating coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, weakness, diabetes, obesity, and depression. Range of motion is one aspect of exercise important for increasing or maintaining joint function. Strengthening exercises provide appropriate resistance to the muscles and increase endurance and strength. Cardiac rehabilitation exercises are developed and individualized to improve the cardiovascular system for prevention of and rehabilitation from cardiac disorders and diseases. A well-structured exercise program can improve general health by increasing strength, endurance, balance, and confidence. Furthermore, an exercise program may delay or minimize the effects of disease and aging. The benefits of exercise not only extend into the areas of physical health, but also enhance emotional well-being.
Precautions
Before beginning any exercise program, evaluation by a physician is recommended to rule out any potential health risks. Once health and fitness are determined and any or all physical restrictions identified, the exercise program should be under the supervision of a health care professional, especially when used as a form of rehabilitation. If symptoms of dizziness, nausea, excessive shortness of breath, or chest pain are present during any exercise program, the individual should stop the activity and inform the physician before resuming activity. Exercise equipment must be checked often for wear and durability.
Description
There are two types of rehabilitation to restore or improve function: cardiac and physical rehabilitation.
Cardiac rehabilitation
Exercise is very helpful in prevention of and rehabilitation from cardiac disorders and disease. With an individually designed exercise program set at a safe level, heart failure patients can improve their fitness levels substantially. Endurance or aerobic routines, such as running, brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, increase the strength and efficiency of the muscles of the heart. The increase in endurance should also translate into a generally more active lifestyle.
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Author Info: Mark Damian Rossi Ph.D, P.T., C.S.C.S., The Gale Group Inc., Gale, Detroit, Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health, 2002 |
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