Strength training in physical therapy

doi:10.1016/j.physio.2015.10.012

Physiotherapy

Volume 102, Issue 1, March 2016, Pages 5-6

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2015.10.012 Get rights and content

Introduction

In an era characterised by an ageing population and a global epidemic of obesity and related comorbidities, daily habitual physical activity and exercise training with well-known health benefits are key elements to improve quality of life and functional capacity [1]. Muscular weakness exacerbated by physical inactivity is pervasive in ageing adults, and those with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease commonly demonstrate even greater losses of muscular strength. Evidence-based research increasingly supports the importance, safety and efficacy of strength training in the prevention and management of a range of chronic diseases.

A symposium presented at the recent World Confederation for Physical Therapy Congress 2015 in Singapore focused on different perspectives and key issues on advanced or emerging scope of practice in strength training in the field of physical therapy, with particular reference to ageing adults, obese and metabolically unhealthy subjects, and frail patients with coronary artery disease. The main aim was to provide an overview of the importance and effects of evidence-based strength exercise protocols in ageing adults. Secondly, the benefits of an active lifestyle for health, with a particular focus on strength training in patients with obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, and frail patients with coronary artery disease, were introduced.

Section snippets

Symposium debate

Muscular weakness in ageing adults can be treated effectively with proper exercise protocols and prescription; for example, in a classic study with nursing home residents, an increase in leg extensor strength of 177% was achieved in 8 weeks [2]. Unfortunately, too many therapists use strength exercise approaches that are not supported by research evidence, resulting in strength gains that are lower than would be expected. In the symposium, the top 10 points that every physical therapist needs

Implications

Fruitful discussion reinforced the presentations, with numerous relevant questions (e.g. how to deal with oedema or muscle soreness or periodisation of training). In all communications, the importance of the professional expertise of physical therapists was stressed, along with individual exercise training with clear goal setting, recognition of the clinical status of patients, and relevant safety issues. In addition, the role of genetic factors as determinants of individual training responses

References (5)

A.A. Sayer et al.
The developmental origins of sarcopenia
J Nutr Health Aging
(2008)
J.J. Karjalainen et al.
Effects of physical activity and exercise training on cardiovascular risk in coronary artery disease patients with and without type 2 diabetes
Diabetes Care
(2015)

There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

Cited by (1)

Exercise and physical therapy help restore body and self in clients with severe anorexia nervosa
2017, Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Citation Excerpt :
The suggested interventions may counteract muscular weakness and deconditioning by facilitating structural and metabolic recuperation, as well as muscle function and growth during treatment. Muscular strength, in combination with endurance, are in general assumed to improve quality of life and self-efficacy in populations with health issues (Hautala et al., 2016). It could also be anticipated that a balanced stable body, as opposed to a rigid, stiff and disorganized body, is capable of enduring increased physical and psychological strain (Ekerholt et al., 2014; Davison, 1988).
Exercise in the context of anorexia nervosa is a multifaceted endeavour surrounded by controversy and uncertainty. A broader comprehension of this poorly understood phenomenon is required. Informed by the findings of a body examination of six individuals with anorexia nervosa, as well as exercise science, phenomenology and neurocognition, the purpose of this article is to elaborate on the potential role of exercise and physical therapy in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. The findings of the body assessment include constriction of posture, muscles and pattern of breathing. These bodily restraints are not necessarily merely associated with high levels of exercise, they may also reflect psychological strain accompanying the illness. The restricted breathing in particular is assumed to be associated with difficult thoughts and suppressed feelings. Based on the results of the body examination, as well as medical and psychological considerations accompanying the illness, it is suggested that interventions should focus on improving postural stability and restoring related muscular function. Integral to engaging in these activities, the potential to integrate proprioceptive information in this process may generate a more coherent experience of the body, as well as of the self, in these clients. Accordingly, constrictions of the body may have a vital role in constraining the experience of the self. As such, addressing bodily restraints in these clients may facilitate the experience of being the subject causing and controlling the movements. This is in marked contrast to clients' previous exercise experiences, which were associated with compulsion, rigidity and the absence of coherence and control.

^☆: This paper summarises a focused symposium presented at the World Confederation for Physical Therapy Congress 2015, 1–4 May, Singapore.

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Focused SymposiumStrength training in physical therapy☆

Introduction

Section snippets

Symposium debate

Implications

J Nutr Health Aging

Effects of physical activity and exercise training on cardiovascular risk in coronary artery disease patients with and without type 2 diabetes

Diabetes Care

Focused Symposium
Strength training in physical therapy☆