Obesity is reaching epidemic proportions worldwide. The needs of the obese person, including for physical therapy, require special considerations. Physical therapy for short-term and long-term goals work best in conjunction with other specialties. The goals of physical therapy must include a lifelong exercise and dietary prescription.
Short-Term Goals of Physical Therapy
Depending on the physical therapy setting, the goals may include strength and endurance training; gait and balance training; and pain control. This is achieved with trained staff who are well versed in the needs of the obese patient.
Special Needs for Physical Therapy in the Obese Person
Due to his extra weight, the obese person can put more pressure on joints that may already have weight-related degenerative changes. Movement can cause more pain, limiting physical therapy sessions. In addition, poor conditioning and added weight can tax the heart and lungs during moderate physical therapy. Equipment and staffing need to be adequate for supporting part or all of the weight during exercises.
What Exercises Are Approriate for the Obese Person
Some obese persons are quite strong and agile, suggesting that their size may be due in part to muscle mass. These persons can respond quickly to routine, minimally assisted physical therapy. Others have obesity out of proportion to muscle mass, which affects strength, endurance and balance. To minimize joint damage and cardiovascular issues in this group, exercises that unload the weight are helpful. Examples are water aerobics, rowing, biking, and yoga. With them, strength and endurance can be improved at minimal impact to joints and the cardiovascular system.
What Are Long Term Physical Therapy Goals
The obese person needs a lifelong prescription of appropriate physical activity. In addition, weight loss is the cornerstone of long-term therapy to avoid cardiovascular and arthritic complications. Physical therapy, in conjunction with a diet strategy, have have been proved to be most effective in achieving these goals.
References
- 'NEJM'; Obesity and Diabetes in the Developing World; Hossain P. M.D. et al. January, 2007
- 'NEJM'; Overweight, Obesity and Mortality in a Large Prospective Cohort; Adams K. Ph.D. et al; August, 2006
- 'Aging Health'; Exercise in Aging: It's Important Role in Mortality, Obesity and Insulin Resistance; Ryan, A.S.;. October 2010
- 'International Journal of Obesity'; BMI: A Poor Surrogate for Diet and Exercise in Assessing Risk of Death; Cundiff, D.K.; (2006) 30
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