Exercise and Training

Exercise is a fundamental component of all the Meridian Spine & Joint Physiotherapy services and programs.  Components of physical fitness include:

Muscular Strength

Is the ability or capacity of a muscle or muscle group for exerting force against resistance. It refer’s to the muscle’s ability to exert maximal force in a single effort. Strong muscles provide better protection of body joints, resulting in fewer strains, sprains and other muscular difficulties. Muscle strength helps in maintaining proper posture and provides great endurance, power, and resistance to fatigue.

Muscular Endurance

Is the ability of muscles to repeat or sustain a muscle contraction. Three variations of muscular endurance that are recognized:

  1. Isometric contraction (maximal static contraction is held)
  2. Isotonic contraction (muscle continue to raise and lower a submaximal load i.e. pushup)
  3. Isokinetic contraction (Constant (> 67 % of the work day) executed throughout a full range of movement against a maximal resistance)

Flexibility

Is the quality that permits freedom of movement. It is the measure of the range of motion allowed by the body’s joint or joints.  It is important for performance in most active sports; it is also important for maintaining good posture.

 

Cardiovascular Endurance

Is the ability to persist in a physical activity that requires oxygen for physical exertion. The functioning of the heart, lungs and blood vessels is essential for distribution of oxygen and nutrients and removal of wastes from the body.