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The following information is excerpted from the OI Foundation's newest fact sheet, "Exercise & Activity: Key Elements in the Management of OI." Click here to read the entire fact sheet.
Bone growth depends on muscle pull, as well as "loading" or weight-bearing through standing, walking and lifting. Research has proven that immobilization may result in a loss of muscle and skeletal mass. It may take as long as a year to restore mass following a relatively short period of immobilization. Over the years, it has become clear that physical activity is an important part of managing OI in both children and adults. Diet, weight control and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle are also essential to longevity and an improved quality of life.
Research indicates that physical activity is important for the following reasons:
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Promotion of improved general health through cardiovascular fitness, mental alertness, weight control, improved sleep quality, improved ability to handle infection and reduced risk of cancer. -
Promotion of maximum bone density
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Promotion of optimal physical function to support independence in daily activities
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Promotion of optimal psychological and social well-being by improving self-confidence and the ability to interact socially with peers.
The optimal long-term goal for children with OI is good health and independence in all areas of function (social, educational, self-care, locomotion and recreation) using adaptive devices as needed. Goals for adults include maintaining independence, preserving bone density and supporting cardiovascular function. To achieve these goals, it is often necessary to improve muscle fitness and body alignment. |
| According to an article in the Washington Post by Rob Stein, Tuesday, November 15, 2005...
A daily workout could add 4 years to life, study says
Sorry, couch potatoes -- the verdict is in: People who exercise regularly really do live longer.
In fact, people who get a good workout almost daily can add nearly four years to their life spans, according to the first study to quantify the impact of physical activity this way.
The researchers looked at records of more than 5,000 middle-aged and elderly Americans and found that those who had moderate to high levels of activity lived 1.3 to 3.7 years longer than those who got little exercise, largely because they put off developing heart disease -- the nation's leading killer. Men and women benefited about equally.
"This shows that physical activity really does make a difference -- not only for how long you live but for how long you live a healthy life," said Oscar H. Franco of the Erasmus M.C. University Medical Center in Rotterdam, who led the study, published yesterday in the Archives of Internal Medicine. "Being more physically active can give you more time." | | |
Specifics of the fitness program vary depending on the individual’s age, level of function, severity of OI, and needs and desires. Activity programs may include exercises recommended by rehabilitation professionals as well as sports and other recreational activities.
Exercise can be done safely by people of any age who have OI. Obstacles to performance to consider when evaluating an activity include prior fracture history, degree of bending in long bones, degree of muscle weakness, joint stiffness or laxity, joint alignment, poor exercise tolerance and stamina. For instance, long-term sitting in a wheelchair may be associated with back pain and joint stiffness. A safe exercise activity could be as simple as getting out of the chair and changing body positions at least once every two hours.
People with OI should avoid some activities, including jumping, diving, contact sports and activities that might promote falls, abrupt joint compressions or high twisting forces on bones.
ALWAYS begin by discussing your goals with a qualified medical professional familiar with your or your child’s medical history.
One strategy for developing a successful fitness program at any age is:
1. Determine the person’s capabilities. Ask "What can the child/adult do?"
2. Determine the objective you want to pursue. Ask "What is the child/adult trying to achieve?"
3. Determine the constraints or limitations to achieving the goal or objective. Ask "Is limited range of motion, strength, alignment or joint instability preventing successful performance?" These issues may need to be addressed before the goal can be accomplished, or incorporated into a program that maximizes reduction of the limitations.
4. Determine which compensations or aids are available to help accomplish the goal. A very wide variety of devices exist to support improved function. Examples include bathroom safety equipment, ambulation aids, reachers, and floatation devices. A consultation with an occupational therapist might be necessary to help choose the best devices to accomplish a specific goal. |
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