Exercise Programs: Alone or with a Physical Therapist
Whether we like it or not, aging is a normal process, however, the effects become magnified with physical inactivity. This translates into increased risk for falls due to balance deficits, decreased muscular strength, and decreased tolerance to functional activities. Research has repeatedly stated that exercise is vital to longevity. So, what exercises should be done and how should it be implemented?
This question is answered in the Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences.In the article, “Supervised Versus Home Exercise Training Programs on Functional Balance in Older Subjects”, researchers explore outcomes between 2 different groups – one group who performed an exercise program independently and a group who performed the same exercises but in a supervised setting.
Luckily, both groups demonstrated significant improvements in balance performance; however, the supervised group had significantly higher measurements in regards to muscular strength and increasing functional activity performance. So should exercises be completed at home/independently or supervised? This article concludes with the answer “supervised.”
The physical therapists and therapy technicians at Body Gears are extensively trained in exercise selection and corrective techniques in order to get the patient to obtain the desired effect, which makes them the perfect “supervision” as referenced in this research study. The goal of these exercise programs is to become independent so that you will ultimately be performing them on your own, but beginning with the expertise of a physical therapist is necessary to gain the most positive outcome!
Reference:
Youssef E, elhameed Shanb A. Supervised Versus Home Exercise Training Programs on Functional Balance in Older Subjects. Malaysian Journal Of Medical Sciences [serial online]. November 2016;23(6):83-93. Available from: Academic Search Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed January 24, 2017.