This October, The American Physical Therapy Association's National Physical Therapy Month To Focus On Nation's Obesity Epidemic

Main Category: Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness
Also Included In: Sports Medicine / Fitness;  Public Health
Article Date: 19 Sep 2007 - 0:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

For the nearly 100 million Americans who are overweight or obese, physical activity must be a crucial component to weight loss and better health, which is the focus of October's National Physical Therapy Month, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) announced today.

According to a recent study conducted by the Trust for America's Health, a research group that focuses on disease prevention, obesity rates continued their climb in 31 states last year. Health officials say the latest state rankings provide evidence that the nation has a public health crisis on its hands. Last year, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cited evidence that found that more than 22 percent of Americans did not engage in any physical activity in the previous month.

A lack of exercise is a major contributing factor to obesity rates. "People who are overweight or obese must follow an appropriate exercise program that includes aerobic conditioning and avoids exercise that can lead to injury," notes Terry Michel, PT, DPT, DSc, CCS, a physical therapist at Boston's Mass General Hospital. "Physical therapists will typically recommend a low-impact form of weight training, such as exercise bands that help avoid excessive joint stress, and modified yoga stretches and Tai Chi for promoting flexibility and relaxation," she adds.

Physical therapists develop fitness plans for both adults and children that promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. For those who are overweight or obese, physical therapists balance the progression of the exercise prescription with the need for joint protection and safety during exercise.

"We are no longer looking at just adults who have diseases resulting from obesity," says physical therapist Susan S Deusinger, PhD, professor and director of the Program in Physical Therapy at Washington University School of Medicine. "Rather, physical therapists need to regard obesity as a primary concern for intervention," she adds. Previous research (1) conducted by Dr Deusinger confirmed recent rising health concerns on college campuses. Her study of 300 undergrads at Washington University in St Louis found that 70 percent of the students had gained an average of nine pounds between their freshman and sophomore years, and most were still not meeting recommended guidelines for healthy eating and exercise behaviour.

"To say the least, the results of this study are cause for concern," notes Deusinger. "People are dying from the effects of obesity, and it's not just our parents and grandparents anymore; it's our friends, siblings, and colleagues. No one is immune from the dual epidemics of obesity and sedentary behaviour."

Connie Cushing, PT, MS, a 17-year-veteran physical therapist at Children's Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, is a member of a practice team that focuses on overweight and obese children and teens at the Hospital's Center for Weight Management. Along with a psychologist, physician, nurse practitioner and nutritionist, Cushing evaluates each child individually (both before they enter and leave the Center). As a result, Cushing can determine whether the patient is at risk for joint and musculoskeletal problems, as well as implement what the collective team learns regarding other commonly seen issues such as diabetes or asthma. "Patients often have multiple, pre-existing medical conditions that can affect their ability to exercise and what specific exercises they are capable of doing," notes Cushing.

"For the younger children at the Center we recommend restricting television viewing and video game playing and encourage family games that can be played both indoors and outdoors at home," says Cushing. "It becomes a bit more complicated with teens, as we need to factor in what their interests are, both in and out of school; if they work better in groups or individually; and if they prefer being outdoors or indoors. Based on their profile, we determine a list of goals and the best ways to achieve those goals. We've also found that having teens keep daily logs of their physical activity provides great incentive." She adds, "The goal of the Center is not solely weight loss. Our ultimate goal is for these kids to make lifestyle changes. Yes, we want them to lose weight, but we also want them to eat better, sleep better, and to feel better physically and emotionally."

Consumers can find information about National Physical Therapy Month, whose theme is "Physical Therapy: The Science of Healing. The Art of Caring," by visiting APTA's newly designed and easily navigable Web page for the month-long celebration at http://www.apta.org/nptm.

Physical therapists are health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTs examine each individual and develop a plan of care using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Physical therapists also work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

The American Physical Therapy Association (http://www.apta.org) is a national organization representing 70,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students nationwide. Its goal is to foster advancements in physical therapist education, practice, and research. Consumers can access "Find a PT" to find a physical therapist in their area, as well as physical therapy news and information at http://www.apta.org/consumer.

(1) Racette SB, Deusinger SS, Strube MJ, Highstein GR, Deusinger RH. "Weight Changes, Exercise and Dietary Patterns During Freshman and Sophomore Years of College." Journal of American College Health, vol. 53 (6); pp. 245-251, May/June 2005.

American Physical Therapy Association
http://www.apta.org