Personalized Physical Activity Program

Physical activity can be defined as activities that involve energy expenditure by using muscles and joints in daily life, increasing heart and respiratory rates, and resulting in varying levels of fatigue. Various sports, dance, exercises, games, and daily activities that involve or include basic body movements such as walking, running, swimming, squatting, standing up, and movements of arms, legs, head, and torso can be considered physical activities. Numerous scientific studies show the benefits of physical activity, especially when done regularly, for both physical and mental health.

These positive effects can be classified as follows:

Increase in muscle strength and physical activity tolerance (conditioning and endurance)
Improving stability and balance by enhancing muscle-joint control, especially preventing falls in elderly individuals
Decrease in cardiovascular disease rates
Reduction in chronic fatigue
Individuals who engage in regular physical activity are more successful in quitting smoking compared to inactive individuals

For the desired effects of physical activity to manifest, it must be performed regularly. Moderate physical activity, 30-60 minutes long, performed 3-4 times a week, is usually enough to produce positive health effects.

The personalized physical activity program is an essential component of complementary medicine applications due to the numerous benefits listed above, all of which are supported by scientific studies. In this program, the exercise duration, intensity, and type are determined and followed by a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist based on the individual's history and accompanying musculoskeletal and other system problems. Exercise can be performed under the supervision of a physiotherapist in the hospital or as an at-home program outside the hospital.

A program consisting of posture, stretching, muscle strengthening, balance, and coordination exercises, as well as aerobic exercises such as cycling ergometry, swimming, and walking, is prepared according to the patient's needs. Suitable patients may join group or individual Pilates or yoga classes. Regardless of the type of physical activity program, patient education and safety must always be ensured.

Physical activity programs are highly effective in the treatment of many diseases and symptoms, in preventing disease-related complications, and in preventing permanent bodily damage due to the disease process.

Helps in controlling diabetes and blood sugar by regulating insulin activity
Normalization of blood pressure and blood lipid (fat) levels
Increases bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis
Improves sleep duration and quality
Reduces anxiety and depression symptoms
Regulates bowel activity and decreases constipation
Speeds up metabolism and prevents weight gain
Improves long-term cognitive functions and motor control, leading to increased self-confidence and decreased dementia (forgetfulness)
Delays the onset age of menopause in women and helps alleviate the negative effects of menopause
Has positive effects on healthy sexual activity in adults
Improves well-being and happiness, increasing the ability to cope with depression and anxiety
Increases body resistance and improves protection against infections
Reduces the risk of cancer development and provides protection against cancer
Enhances quality of life, increasing participation in social and cultural activities

Some conditions where the positive and therapeutic properties of exercise programs are utilized include:

Certain orthopedic problems, sports injuries
Neurological diseases (strokes, balance and coordination losses, nerve injuries, etc.)
Some cardiovascular and lung diseases
Pediatric health problems such as cerebral palsy
Some rheumatic diseases
Problems developing after accidents, trauma, and surgery
Lower back, back and neck issues, joint pains such as in the knees and shoulders
Obesity
Recovery process after pregnancy and childbirth

In recent years, with the increasing prevalence of oncology diseases in society, the concept of "cancer rehabilitation" has gained importance. 54% of patients diagnosed with cancer require rehabilitation for physical impairments caused by the tumor effects or cancer treatment. 70% of patients experience cancer-related pain. In cases of bone involvement, weight transfer may need to be restricted depending on the severity of the lesion. To protect the bone, orthotic applications and the use of a corset for the spine may be required. For oncology patients, it is extremely important to have an evaluation by a physical therapy and rehabilitation specialist before starting exercise programs, and to determine the appropriate physical activity plan.

For patients at risk of spinal fractures, exercises for strengthening abdominal and back muscles, balance exercises to prevent falls, and environmental adjustments are recommended. In cases of lung tumors, respiratory exercises, neck and arm muscle strengthening exercises, and aerobic exercises are advised. After surgery in cancer rehabilitation programs, shoulder joint range-of-motion exercises and stretching exercises are performed. Once drains are removed, active joint range-of-motion exercises are started and movements are gradually increased. Lymphedema treatment is applied.

Last Updated Date: 21 September 2023

Publication Date: 21 September 2023