Exercise Physiology

What is exercise physiology?

Exercise physiology is a scientific discipline dedicated to examining how the body responds and adapts to physical activity or exercise, as well as understanding how these responses and adaptations alter due to disuse, acute illness, and long-term changes in metabolism resulting from specific diseases or nutrient deficiencies. This field explores the short, medium, and long-term effects of diverse exercise types and intensities on various bodily systems, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, and metabolic systems.

Specialists in this domain, exercise physiologists leverage their understanding of body systems, disease processes, medications, and exercise prescription to craft and implement sustainable, effective exercise programs. These programs are tailored to individuals or specific populations based on their health status, fitness goals, and medical history. These professionals play a pivotal role in health promotion, disease prevention, and the management of various health conditions through exercise.

Examples include:

1. Improved Cardiovascular Health: Regular exercise enhances cardiovascular function, reducing the risk of heart diseases like coronary artery disease, hypertension, and stroke. Aligning with the Australian National Physical Activity Guidelines, an exercise physiologist can assess fitness levels and devise a sustainable program.
2. Diabetes Management: Applied appropriately, regular exercise regulates blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity, a crucial component in managing diabetes.
3. Musculoskeletal Health: Regular exercise helps maintain bone density and improves joint health and muscle strength, contributing to the prevention and management of conditions like osteoporosis and arthritis.
4. Mental Health: Extensive research supports the use of regular physical activity to enhance mental health, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Exercise physiology can be integrated into comprehensive mental health treatment plans.
5. Respiratory Health: Regular exercise is essential in managing respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by improving lung function and respiratory efficiency. Regular exercise also enhances oxygen utilization efficiency in peripheral musculature, reducing overall oxygen demand for physical activity and aiding in faster recovery.
6. Cancer Rehabilitation: Regular prescribed exercise is beneficial for those undergoing active cancer therapy and cancer survivors by improving physical function, reducing fatigue, and enhancing overall quality of life.
7. Persistent Pain Management: For individuals experiencing ongoing pain or diagnosed with fibromyalgia, exercise physiology can play a role in managing symptoms and improving function.
8. Neurological Conditions: Exercise is increasingly recognized for its positive impact on neurological health. Exercise physiology is a necessary component of comprehensive management plans for numerous neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis. Regular exercise also enhances recovery from and management of stroke and acquired brain injury.
9. Immune System Function: Regular moderate exercise is associated with a boost in immune system function, contributing to overall health improvement.

Why does this matter for you?

It matters because, based on the evidence, the hugely beneficial effects of regular physical activity have almost nothing to do with calorie burning – regular physical activity improves all your bodily systems. And engaging an exercise physiologist is key to beginning an individualised workout program devised with an understanding of how your body functions and how your body moves. Upgrade your overall health. Book an exercise physiology assessment at The Village Physio today.