Physical Activity: Chronic Conditions

Cardiovascular disease

CVD is the term used to describe diseases affecting the heart and circulatory system. CVD includes heart disease, stroke and raised blood pressure or hypertension.

Why exercise if you have/want to prevent CVD?

Regular exercises can increase longevity.
Regular exercise reduced the chances of developing disability linked to CVDs.
Regular exercise can assist to control blood pressure (and thus reduce the risk of stroke) and weight.
Regular exercise improves mental health, helps to manage stress and improves general quality of life.

Stay safe –where to get advice

Healthcare experts, such as Physiotherapists, can prescribe appropriate exercises as part of a structured, safe and effective program.

Raised blood pressure /Hypertension

Raised blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart attack and stroke, can be controlled by regular exercise and healthy eating. Prescribed training can effectively reduce blood pressure in older men and women.

One study has indicated that endurance exercise brings an average reduction of 10mm Hg for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. This type of blood pressure reduction has been associated with a 5-9% reduction in heart morbidity, and a 8% to 14% reduction in the risk of stroke. Regular safe physical activity and healthy eating habits are important for all of us, including people diagnosed with a raised blood pressure.

Sources:

Martel GF et al. Strength training normalizes resting bloodpressure in 65- to 73-year- old men and women with high normal blood pressure. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1999 Oct;47(10):1215-21. HYPERLINK "http://www.ncbi" www.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10522955
Cornelissen VA, Fagard RH. Effects of endurance training on blood pressure, blood pressure-regulating mechanisms, and cardiovascular risk factors. Hypertension 2005 Oct; 46(4):667-75. www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16157788 Kelley GA, Kelley KS.
Progressive resistance exercise and resting blood pressure: a meta- analysis of randomized controlled trials. Hypertension. 2000 Mar; 35(3):838-43. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pubmed/10720604
Whelton et al. Primary prevention of hypertension: clinical and public health advisory from The National High Blood Pressure Education Program. JAMA. 2002 Oct 16;288(15):1882- 8. www.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12377087
Hu F et al. Physical activity and risk of stroke in women. JAMA. 2000; 283(22):2961- 2967. HYPERLINK "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10865274" www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10865274
Lee I et al. Exercise and risk of stroke in male physicians. Stroke. 1999;30(1):1-6. HYPERLINK "http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9880379" www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9880379
Teixeira-Salmela et al. Muscle strengthening and physical conditioning to reduce impairment and disability in chronic stroke survivors. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1999 Oct; 80(10):1211-8. www.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10527076
Dean CM et al. Task-related circuit training improves performance of locomotor tasks in chronic stroke: a randomized, controlled pilot trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2000 Apr;81(4):409-17. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10768528

Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is also known as Type-2 Diabetes and is a common condition caused by high amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood which often leads to damage of soft tissues. Type-2 Diabetes is closely associated with lifestyle factors such as unhealthy eating habits and overweight or obesity.

Why exercise if you have/want to prevent Diabetes?

Regular exercise and healthy eating habits can prevent diabetes.
Regular exercise and healthy eating helps to manage or reduce weight.
Regular exercise can reduce or manage complications (such as amputations) resulting from diabetes.

Regular exercise improves mental health, helps to manage stress and improves general quality of life.

Stay safe –where to get advice

Healthcare experts, such as Physiotherapists, can prescribe appropriate exercises as part of a structured, safe and effective preventive program.

Cancer

Cancer is an umbrella term used to describe more than 100 different diseases with the common characteristic of uncontrolled cell growth. It is a leading and growing cause of death worldwide with the total number of cases globally increasing, as the world population grows and ages.

Why exercise if you have/want to prevent cancer?

Regular exercise can maximise general health and well-being.
Regular exercise can reduced the risk of developing some types of cancer.
Regular exercise can help to reduce post-surgical swelling and oedema (excessive collection of body fluid), stiffness and muscle weakness.
Regular exercise can help to optimise your daily functioning.
Regular exercise improves mental health, helps to manage stress and improves general quality of life.

Stay safe-where to get advice

People with cancer often have special needs and healthcare experts, such as Physiotherapists, can assist in designing a tailored exercise intervention which is safe and effective.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary (lung) diseases

COPD is an umbrella term referring to a group of lung diseases that include chronic bronchitis, emphysema and small airways disease. Lung damage can occur as a result of unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking and exposure to dangerous pollutants over a long period of time. Most of the risk factors are however preventable or modifiable. This condition always leads to impaired flow of air in and out of the lungs and causes breathlessness.

Why exercise if you have/want to prevent COPD?

Regular exercise is cost effective in improving physical functioning and quality of life.
Regular exercise can reduce the length of hospital stay if you are hospitalised for COPD.
Regular exercise can reduce your chances of being admitted to hospital.
Regular exercise improves mental health, helps to manage stress and improves general quality of life.