Physical Therapists Agree with Findings of Recent
Study Published in British Journal of Sports Medicine Showing
Long-Lasting Effects of Daily Exercise
ALEXANDRIA, VA, June 9, 2008 — A recent study showing that
maintaining aerobic fitness through middle age could delay biological
aging by 12 years underscores the benefits of incorporating even a
modest exercise program into one's daily routine, emphasizes the
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). The study, published in
the British Journal of Sports Medicine (March 11, 2008), shows
aerobic exercise improves the body's oxygen consumption and its ability
to generate energy, which, in turn, leads to the slowing and possible
reversal of the inevitable decline of our body's function.
"If we, as a population, walked briskly 30 minutes a day, healthcare
as we know it would change drastically in the United States," said
physical therapist Steven Tepper, PT, PhD, a professor of physical
therapy at, among others, the University of Maryland and the University
of Delaware.
"This study is particularly relevant because it shows a direct
correlation between regular exercise and longer life expectancy," said
Dr. Tepper, who has long studied the effects of 30 minutes of daily
brisk walking or equivalent activity. He says that many benefits of
daily exercise include the reduced risk of several life-threatening
diseases, including:
- Cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis (thickening and hardening
of the arteries due to fibrous fatty plaque build-up)
- Type 2 diabetes, even in persons at high risk
- Stroke
- Breast Cancer
- Lower resting blood pressure
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Osteoporosis
- Depression among elderly adults
The British Journal of Sports Medicine study concluded that a
regular exercise program can slow or reverse the loss of aerobic fitness
-- typical of behavior observed in middle-aged and retirement aged
people -- reducing the individual's biological age and prolonging
independence.
Marilyn Moffat, PT, DPT, PhD, FAPTA, CSCS, a professor of physical
therapy at New York University and co-author with Carole B Lewis of
"Age-Defying Fitness," concurs: "Put simply, a regular routine of
moderate exercise has incredibly positive effects on both physical and
mental well-being and increases one's quality of life." Dr. Moffat
conducts workshops for physical therapists around the world,
demonstrating how patients with chronic health problems can improve
their health by learning how to exercise safely.
Drs Moffat and Tepper add that, as we age, fat mass increases and
aerobic capacity and muscle mass decrease in sedentary individuals,
therefore less oxygen is delivered to key organs, thus making daily
exercise more difficult. Routine daily activity seems to reverse the
decline and is a vital component to living longer. Both caution,
however, that people just starting an exercise program later in life
should first be evaluated by a physical therapist, who can recommend
exercises that are appropriate and safe, as well as educate patients for
signs of trouble.
For example, certain patients can benefit from adding some upper body
strength training to their exercise regime, Dr Moffat says. She also
recommends adding balance training to the exercise mix. "I have seen
patients as young as 40 with balance problems, and it is particularly
important to challenge one's balance at a young age to offset problems
later in life." Both Drs Moffat and Tepper agree that, what may be good
for one individual may be detrimental to another, and that is where the
expertise of a physical therapist becomes essential.
Although Dr Tepper has been an advocate of daily brisk walking to
delay aging, he also recommends leisure activities such as swimming and
gardening. "Any activity is better than none, but those just starting
out need to remember to proceed slowly," he concludes.
A more complete list of the benefits of daily brisk walking
can be found at www.moveforwardpt.com.
Physical therapists are health care professionals who diagnose and
manage individuals of all ages, from newborns to elders, who have
medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their
abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily
lives. Physical therapists examine each individual and develop a plan of
care using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce
pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Physical therapists also
work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility by developing
fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active
lifestyles.
The American Physical Therapy Association (www.apta.org) is a
national organization representing physical therapists, physical
therapist assistants, and students nationwide. Its goal is to foster
advancements in physical therapist education, practice, and research.
Consumers can visit www.findapt.us to find a physical therapist in their
area, as well as www.moveforwardpt.com for physical therapy news and
information.