Exercise Physiology: Supporting Wellbeing Through Physical Activity

What is exercise physiology?

Exercise physiology focuses on understanding how the body responds to physical activity. It involves studying how exercise impacts various body systems like the heart, muscles, bones and metabolism. The goal is to use this knowledge to design exercise programs that are safe, effective and personalised to meet individual needs.

 

For those managing health challenges, exercise physiology may involve personalised fitness routines focused on areas like mobility, strength or energy levels. In practice, this could include light strength training, gentle stretching or guided exercises to support day-to-day activity; all adjusted to suit individual capacity and goals.

 

Role of exercise physiology in supporting wellness

Exercise physiologists are trained to assess an individual’s physical condition and design a personalised exercise program that aligns with their health goals. Below are some ways exercise physiologists can help support your wellness:

1. Personalised exercise plans: They will create individualised exercise plans based on your current health status, fitness level and wellness goals. These plans are designed to gradually build strength and increase mobility without overwhelming the body.
2. Guidance through treatment and recovery: They can provide support to help you manage physical changes. They will guide you through low-impact exercises to improve energy, strength and flexibility while taking into consideration any physical limitations.
3. Injury prevention: They are skilled in teaching proper technique and form to reduce the risk of injury. This is especially helpful for those new to exercise or returning after a period of inactivity.
4. Ongoing support and monitoring: They offer continuous monitoring of progress to ensure that exercise plans are effective and evolving with the individual’s health status. They provide ongoing adjustments and advice to ensure safe and beneficial outcomes.

 

Benefits of exercise on wellbeing

The advantages for physical activities play an important role in supporting wellness. Following are some ways through which exercise can contribute to improved physical and mental health:

1. Boosting energy levels: Regular physical activity, even at a gentle pace can help improve energy levels and reduce tiredness. A consistent approach to exercise can help individuals feel more energetic and alert throughout the day (1).
2. Strengthening muscles and flexibility: Physical changes caused by treatments or lifestyle factors can affect muscle strength and flexibility. Exercise, including stretching and light resistance exercises, can help rebuild muscle strength, increase flexibility and improve overall mobility (2).
3. Supporting mental wellbeing: Exercise is known to reduce stress, anxiety and depression while improving mood and sleep quality. Engaging in physical activity provides a positive outlet for emotions and contributes to a sense of accomplishment (3).
4. Supporting the immune function: Exercise has shown to support immune function by enhancing the body’s ability to respond to and recover from stress. Regular physical activity helps increase the circulation of immune cells and the body’s ability to fight off infections. It also supports a better balance of inflammatory markers, which plays a role in reducing chronic inflammation and improving overall recovery (4).

 

Recommendations for exercise physiologists in Melbourne

1. Melbourne Exercise Physiology Group. https://www.mepg.com.au/ 
2. Melbourne Sports and Allied Health Clinic. https://www.msahc.com.au/services/exercise-physiology 
3. Optimal Health Exercise Physiology. https://www.ohep.com.au/ 
4. Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre. https://www.opsmc.com.au/face-to-face/exercise-physiology/ 
5. The Royal Melbourne Hospital. https://www.thermh.org.au/services/physiotherapy-exercise-physiology 

 

How can The Christina Ghobadi Foundation help with exercise physiology

Our wellness grants can be used to cover the cost of exercise physiology sessions, giving you access to professional support for personalised exercise plans that match your health goals. One of our grant recipients shared that using their grant for exercise physiology supported their recovery after chemotherapy, improved their energy and mental health, and helped them feel less alone by connecting with others in similar situations during group sessions. These experiences highlight the importance of tailored movement.

 

How to apply for a wellness grant from The Christina Ghobadi Foundation

1. Apply for a grant

If you are aged between 18 and 30 years of age and living with or recovering from cancer, consider applying for a grant detailing the desired wellness activity that you would like to do, and how it would benefit your recovery journey. (Click here to Apply) 

2. Contact the Foundation

Reach out directly to The Christina Ghobadi Foundation to discuss the suitability of your interest as a grant-funded activity. (Click here to Contact Us)

2. Forward this information to some-one you know

If you know some-one who fits this criteria and would benefit from receiving a grant to help with their recovery please forward this information onto them.

 

References:

1. Chen, X., Li, J., Chen, C., Zhang, Y., Zhang, S., Zhang, Y., Zhou, L., & Hu, X. (2023). Effects of exercise interventions on cancer-related fatigue and quality of life among cancer patients: A meta-analysis. BMC Nursing, 22(200). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-023-01363-0
2. Schmitz, K. H., et al. (2010). American College of Sports Medicine roundtable on exercise guidelines. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 42(7), 1409-1426. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181e0c112
3. Feyer, P., et al. (2006). The role of exercise in managing fatigue. Cancer, 106(4), 941-948. doi: 10.1007/s13668-018-0234-1 

Nieman, D. C., & Wentz, L. M. (2019). The compelling link between physical activity and the body’s defense system. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 8(3), 201–217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2018.09.009