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International Journal of Community & Family Medicine Volume 1 (2016), Article ID 1:IJCFM-122, 4 pages
https://doi.org/10.15344/2456-3498/2016/122
Research Article
Running to Health, Sports and Medicine, A Winning Combination: Implementing Physical Activity to Fight Against Chronic Diseases

Filomena Pietrantonio1* and Luca Traini2

1Internal Medicine Unit Director, Manerbio Hospital, ASST Garda, Italy,
2Proposal Development Officer Save the Children Italia Onlus, Rome, Italy
Dr. Filomena Pietrantonio, Internal Medicine Unit Director, Manerbio Hospital, ASST Garda, Italy, Tel: +39 3291710748; Fax +39 065089501; E-mail: filomena.pietrantonio@gmail.com
23 May 2016; 12 December 2016; 14 December 2016
Pietrantonio F, Traini L (2016) Running to Health, Sports and Medicine, A Winning Combination: Implementing PhysicalActivity to Fight Against Chronic Diseases. Int J Community Fam Med 1: 122. doi: https://doi.org/10.15344/2456-3498/2016/122

Abstract

Background:Special knowledge in sports medicine inside Internal Medicine could enhance health and fitness preventing injuries and illnesses. Exercise role in promoting healthy lifestyle is essential to prevent most diseases through healthy lifestyle, including diet and lack of risky attitudes (smoking, alcohol) with early detection of age-related diseases. Moreover, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) disability classification ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) that adapt activities and environment to people’s abilities, the interest towards physical activity (PA) adapted to health patients’ status is increasing .
Methods:A 2014 pilot study on 157 athletes was performed to evaluate the impact of lifestyle on health administering a questionnaire (CRF) combining BMI, physical activity (weekly frequency per duration) and quality of food (evaluated considering the effect on metabolism and food combination).
Results:135 questionnaires were evaluated: M 76%/F 21%. 74% of the sample showed regular BMI and 16% was overweight. Regular PA was performed by 84% and 69% considered good their dietary habits. PA benefits on health can be extended also to patients with chronic diseases (NCD) according to scientific consensus for a continuous dose-response relationship between PA and health benefits.
Conclusion:A correct lifestyle correlate with a better health status. Lower risks of cardiovascular disease have been observed with just 45–75 minutes of walking per week. The practice of Adapted Physical Activity for patient with disabilities due to NCD could be a valid starting point together with balanced diet for risk reduction in secondary prevention.