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Instructor Showing Health Results On Clipboard To Senior Couple

Respiratory Disease and Exercise

/28 April 2023/ All MFN blog/

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hundreds of millions of people suffer every day from chronic respiratory diseases (CRD).  Currently in the United States, 24.6 million people have asthma1, 15.7 million people have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)2 while greater than 50 million people have allergic rhinitis3 and other often-underdiagnosed chronic respiratory diseases.  Respiratory diseases do not discriminate and affect people of every race, sex, and age.  While most chronic respiratory diseases are manageable and some even preventable, this is what is known about the nature of chronic respiratory diseases4:

  • Chronic disease epidemics take decades to become fully established.
  • Chronic diseases often begin in childhood.
  • Because of their slow evolution and chronic nature, chronic diseases present opportunities for prevention.
  • Many different chronic diseases may occur in the same patient (e.g. chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease and cancer).
  • The treatment of chronic diseases demands a long-term and systematic approach.
  • Care for patients with chronic diseases should be an integral part of the activities of health services, alongside care for patients with acute and infectious diseases.

Exercise and CRD

If you are a health and fitness professional, some of your clients may be suffering from a chronic respiratory disease and you may be an important source for relief.  Moderate exercise is known to improve use of oxygen, energy levels, anxiety, stress and depression, sleep, self-esteem, cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and shortness of breath. While it might seem odd that exercise improves breathing when one is short of breath, exercising really does help one with respiratory disease.  Exercise helps the blood circulate and helps the heart send oxygen to the rest of the body.  Exercise also strengthens the respiratory muscles which can make it easier to breathe.

Beneficial Types of Exercise

There are several challenges to exercise prescription and physical activity participation in this population, but a large body of evidence demonstrates important health benefits from aerobic exercise.  Resistance training has also been shown to increase muscle mass and strength, enhancing individuals’ ability to perform tasks of daily living and improving health-related quality of life.5

Aerobic exercise is good for the heart and lungs and allows one to use oxygen more efficiently. Walking, biking, and swimming are great examples of aerobic exercise. The guidelines are approximately the same as generally healthy individuals.  One should attempt to train the cardiorespiratory system 3-5 days a week for 30 minutes per session.  One should exercise at an intensity level of 3-4 on the Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale (Scale Rating from 0 Nothing at All-10 Very, Very, Heavy).

Resistance exercise increases muscular strength including the respiratory muscles that assist in breathing.  Resistance training usually involves weights or resistance bands but using one’s own body weight works just as well depending on the severity of the symptoms.  It is recommended that one should perform high repetitions with low weight to fatigue the muscles.  This type of resistance training also improves muscular endurance important for those with CRD.  Resistance training should be performed 2-3 days a week working all major muscle groups.

Stretching exercises relax and improve one’s flexibility.  When stretching, one should practice slow and controlled breathing.  Not only does proper breathing help to deepen the stretch, but it also helps one to increase lung capacity.  One should gently stretch all major muscles to the point of mild discomfort while holding the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds, slowly breathing in and out. Repeat each stretch 2-3 times.  Stretching is an effective method to warming up and cooling down before and after workout sessions.

When exercising, it is important to remember to inhale in preparation of the movement and exhale on the exertion phase of the movement.  An individual should take slow deep breaths and pace him/herself.  It is recommended to purse the lips while exhaling.

Use of Medication

If an individual uses medication for the treatment of respiratory disease, he/she should continue to take the medication based on his/her doctor’s advice.  His/her doctor may adjust the dosage according to the physical activity demands.  For example, the doctor may adjust the flow rate of oxygen during exercise if one is using an oxygen tank.  In addition, one should have his/her inhaler on hand in case of a need due to the increase of oxygen demand during exercise.

Fitness professionals can effectively work with those who have a chronic respiratory disease providing them with a better quality of life through movement.  You as their health and fitness coach can provide a positive experience to facilitate an effective path to better health and wellness.

Continued Education for Fit Pros

Fitness Professionals & Personal Trainers: Become a Respiratory Disease Fitness Specialist!

Some of your clients may suffer from a respiratory disease and you may be an important source of relief. The Respiratory Disease Fitness Specialist online course will equip you with the knowledge to safely and effectively work with these clients to help improve their quality of life.

Known as the trainers’ trainer, CarolAnn has become one of the country’s leading fitness educators, authors, and national presenters. Combining a Master’s degree in Exercise Science/Health Promotion with several fitness certifications/memberships such as FiTOUR, ACSM, ACE, AFAA, and LMI, she has been actively involved in the fitness industry for over 25 years. She is currently the Founder and Director of Education for Chiseled Faith, a Faith Based Health and Fitness Program for churches. Visit her website, www.CarolAnn.Fitness

References

  1. 2015. NHIS Data; Table 3-1. www.cdc.gov/asthma/nhis/2015/table3-1.htm
  2. Mannino DM, Gagnon RC, Petty TL, Lydick E. Obstructive lung disease and low lung function in adults in the United States: data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1988-1994. Arch Intern Med. 2000;160:1683–1689.
  3. CDC, Gateway to Health Communication and Social Marketing Practice. Allergies. https://www.cdc.gov/healthcommunication/toolstemplates/entertainmented/tips/Allergies.html
  4. World Health Organization http://www.who.int/gard/publications/chronic_respiratory_diseases.pdf
  5. Eves ND, Davidson WJ. Evidence-based risk assessment and recommendations for physical activity clearance: respiratory disease. Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism. 2011;36(Suppl 1):S80–100. [PubMed]
Biomimicry-Frog-Jumps-Crab-Walk

Introduction to Biomimicry and Exercise

/21 April 2023/ All MFN blog/

Biomimicry, the practice of looking to nature for inspiration and solutions to human problems, can be a valuable tool and designing exercise programs. By studying the movements and behaviors of animals, we can learn how to move more efficiently, effectively and with less injury.

Here are a few examples of how mimicry can be applied to exercise programming:

Mimicking the movements of animals: Many animals have unique ways of moving that can be emulated in exercise programs. For example, the frog jump is a plyometric exercise that mimics explosive jumping of a frog, while the crab walk works lateral movement of the hips and shoulders in a way similar to how crabs move.

Utilizing natural resistance: Resistance training is a common component of exercise programs and bio mimicry can offer new ways to approach it. For example, using a slosh pipe, which is a PVC pipe partially filled with water or some other solution, can stimulate the resistance of carrying something like a baby car seat which is very practical.

Incorporating balance instability exercises: Animals have evolved to a move in environments that require balance and stability, and we can learn from them in designing exercises that challenge our own balance and stability. For example, the bird dog exercise, which involves extending the opposite arms and legs while balancing enough force, mimics the stabilizing movement of a hunting dog.

Emphasizing functional movements: Many exercises in the gym isolate individual muscle groups, but biomimicry can remind us to focus on functional movements that are more relevant to real life activities. For example, the farmers walk, which involves walking while holding heavy weights in each hand, mimics the practical movements of carrying groceries or moving furniture.

By incorporating biomimicry into exercise programming, we can create workouts that are not only effective, but also enjoyable and engaging. Additionally, by working with our bodies instead of against them, we can reduce the risk of injury and improve overall physical health.

Reprinted with permission from author.

Mike Rickett MS, CSCS*D, CSPS*D, RCPT*E is a nationally recognized health and fitness trainer of the trainers, fitness motivator, author, certifier, educator, and the 2017 NSCA Personal Trainer of the Year.  He has been a fitness trainer for more than 35 years.  He directs the personal training site, ApplicationInMotion.com. In addition, he also directs BetterHealthBreathing.com, a conscious breathing educational program focusing on the diaphragmatic technique to enhance overall wellness.  

Muscles-of-the-Abdomen

The QL: The Forgotten Core Muscle

/5 April 2023/ All MFN blog/

When one thinks of their core, I doubt the quadratus lumborum (QL) comes to mind. The average person in the gym is not walking around saying: “I’m going to work hard on my QL today!” Despite that the fact that most don’t work on it or may never have heard of it, the QL is an important muscle and should be included in a person’s fitness programming.

general-pain-neck-back-pain

What a pain in the neck!

/10 March 2023/ All MFN blog/

If you are one of the millions of people who suffer with neck pain, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!  Do you spend hours hunched over your laptop? Are you constantly staring down at your phone? Is your stress level out of control? Do you lack self-care in the form of exercise and nutrition?

trainer-senior-client-stretch

Understanding the Causes of Recurring Musculoskeletal Pain and Injuries

/1 March 2023/ All MFN blog/

Musculoskeletal injuries from trauma, repeated activities, or overused joints or muscles are very common — in fact, almost every one of us will get injured at some point in our lives. Most of the time, it will reoccur and become more serious when left unattended or untreated. When repeated injuries happen, it is very likely not due to a one-off fluke.

So why do we constantly get hurt at a specific joint or muscle? And why does the pain seem to travel elsewhere after?

The human body is complex and designed to move in countless movement patterns. When we move, kinetic energy travels from our feet to our neck and head. This concept is called the Human Body Kinetic Chain Movement. Our skeletal system consists of various joints linked in a chain, each with specific purpose and function.

Stability and Mobility at the Joints

When our joint is not functioning as it is intended to, our body will adopt a dysfunctional movement, which can lead to acute pain in our joints or muscles. If not corrected, chronic pain can happen. A sedentary lifestyle, past injuries, poor posture and misalignment, stress, health conditions, diseases, and other factors can lead to the development of dysfunctional movement.

Here’s an example of a common dysfunctional movement at the lower proximity. If your ankle (which is supposed to be mobile) is stiff, your body will seek mobility at the knee which is supposed to act as a stable hinge. A painful knee typically develops as a result. In another scenario, if you spend extended periods of time sitting and experience restricted mobility at your hips, your body may compensate by seeking mobility at your knee or lumbar spine. This reversal of joint roles can lead to injury or pain in the affected joint or muscle.

Continuing to compensate for the long term can cause a cascading effect such as muscle imbalances, poor neuromuscular function and muscle atrophy or hypertonicity.

One of the common mistakes we make is to only address the symptom (pain) with the use of NSAIDs, massage, chiropractic therapy and other non-invasive or invasive treatments, rather than addressing the underlying cause of the problem.

Another widespread misunderstanding is the idea that simply strengthening the muscle at a joint can solve the problem, without considering its kinetic chain relationship. For example, strengthening the quadriceps to alleviate knee pain, without taking into account the mobility of the ankles and hips or the stability of the lumbopelvic area.

That’s why it’s crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of how our bodies are designed to move, and to identify any weak links in our body’s kinetic chain to ensure optimal recovery through appropriate rehabilitation measures, and not view the problem in isolation.

Typically, it is advisable to conduct an assessment initially to pinpoint the root of the problem. However, when a patient presents to my clinic in pain, they often exhibit compensatory movement patterns that can yield false positives/negatives results. For this reason, my approach is to first identify the type of pain or injury they are experiencing and address their pain as a priority. To reduce their pain levels, I utilize methods such as soft tissue manipulation and other therapies that are appropriate for their condition.

Soft tissue manipulation and manual therapy, such as massage has been proven to:

  • alter pain signal at the central nervous system,
  • manage inflammation,
  • inhibit muscle spasm and reduce muscle tonicity,
  • improve blood circulation and oxygenation to the injured tissue,
  • and improve mobility and flexibility at the joint.

It is best to engage a practitioner who is trained or skilled in this field, or perform self myofascial massage by using a foam roller or trigger point massage ball under guidance.

Once the pain has been adequately managed, I will proceed with a thorough assessment to identify any potential weak links in the person’s kinetic chain. After that, they will begin an active treatment program that includes targeted stretches, mobility drills, and muscle reactivation exercises through a set of neuromuscular exercises. The rehabilitation program also emphasizes teaching the person to disassociate their movements and joints through specific exercise drills, which re-trains their brain to use their muscles and joints as it is supposed to. As soon as they are able to correct their dysfunctional movement, it is highly recommended to strengthen the entire structure based on function, rather than relying solely on brute strength.

Understanding the concept of our body’s biomechanics and how kinetic chain work can help you better manage or even resolve musculoskeletal injuries holistically, and not just detaching the problem to a specific joint or muscle.

Do take note that different types of musculoskeletal injuries may require different forms of therapy or approach. It is extremely important to seek a professional’s help to determine the appropriate care for your musculoskeletal pain or injury.

Ke Wynn Lee is an author and an international award-winning corrective exercise specialist currently owns and operates a private Medical Fitness Center in Penang. Apart from coaching, he also conducts workshops and actively contributes articles related to corrective exercise, fitness & health to online media and local magazines.

References

Field, T. (2014). Massage therapy research review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice.

Moyer, C. A., Rounds, J., & Hannum, J. W. (2004). A meta-analysis of massage therapy research. Psychological Bulletin.

Crane, J. D., Ogborn, D. I., Cupido, C., Melov, S., Hubbard, A., Bourgeois, J. M., & Tarnopolsky, M. A. (2012). Massage therapy attenuates inflammatory signaling after exercise-induced muscle damage. Science Translational Medicine.

American Council of Exercise (ACE)

National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

foam-rolling

Foam Rolling: The What, Why & How

/11 January 2023/ All MFN blog/

We are not as active as we once were. Our lifestyles today do not require as much movement as it once did. A perfect example of this is Giant’s Peapod (need I say anymore).  Not being active takes a toil on our bodies and sitting tends to take over our bodies main position in space. For those that are active, injuries may still occur. When a person is not active and does a lot of sitting (or sleeping in awkward positions) or when a person is active and gets injured, our bodies respond by putting our muscle tissues into overdrive. In other words, they end up working harder than they should which leads to adhesions or knots in the fascia (connective tissue found throughout our entire body). This is where foam rolling can be very helpful.

What is Foam Rolling?

Foam rolling is the concept of applying pressure to a sore or tender muscle that will send a signal to your brain to tell it to relax. If you are familiar with a massage, then, you can think of foam rolling as a self-massage.

Why Foam Rolling?

According to the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), foam rolling is beneficial to help alleviate and correct discomfort.  For example, if a person does a lot of sitting, then most likely their hip muscles will be working overtime. Foam rolling will help the hip muscles to return to a normal state of work.  Also, since overworking muscles cause your body to compensate and have poor posture, foam rolling can help to correct bad posture too.

How Do You Foam Roll?

In order to determine what muscles on your body are working overtime, you want to consult with a corrective exercise specialist. This could be a physical therapist, personal trainer or massage therapist (to name a few). They can watch your posture and how you move to determine which muscles need foam rolling. Typical muscles that need foam rolling include one’s: calves, hips, lateral to mid-back, thighs and chest. For example, if one determines their calf muscle is working overtime, the protocol would be to sit down on their butt with the foam roller placed directly underneath their calf muscles.  The person would apply pressure by pushing their calf muscle only into the foam roller. If they feel any discomfort, they would hold that spot of discomfort for at least 30 seconds to allow the calf to relax.  If a person does foam rolling on a regular basis (I recommend 3-5 times/week for four weeks), they could accomplish significant improvement to their posture, which means less discomfort to their body.

Conclusion

Foam rolling is a proven technique that allows overactive muscles throughout our bodies to return to a state of normalcy. If you have muscles on your body that do not feel normal, foam rolling may be the solution to your problem.

Maurice D. Williams is an Assistant Professor of Health & Human Performance at Freed-Hardeman University, an the owner of Move Well Fitness. With almost two decades in the industry, he’s worked with a wide range of clients, including those with health challenges like diabetes, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, hypertension, coronary artery disease, lower back pain, pulmonary issues, and pregnancy.