Renowned physiotherapist PT. Yusuf Önkol explains the secrets of the ‘science behind your body.’
Antalya is not only famous for its nature and hospitality but also as a destination where millions from around the world come seeking various treatments and ways to improve their well-being. Today, we present the advice and assessments of a professional who has been helping and healing visitors from across the globe
In today’s world, exercise has become a vital part of health. However, the mechanisms that are at work in our body during exercise and how these mechanisms change in disease conditions is a topic that is often overlooked. Dr. Karl Wasserman and Dr. Brian J. Whipp’s study titled “Exercise Physiology in Health and Disease” provides information on these questions.
The energy required for muscle contraction comes from a molecule called adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is a short-term energy store and needs to be continuously replenished. During the early moments of exercise, energy is derived from creatine phosphate and carbohydrates, whereas in longer-duration exercises, the energy source shifts to fats. The balance of these mechanisms is maintained by delivering sufficient oxygen to the muscles and efficiently utilizing the body’s carbohydrate stores.
Energy needs during exercise are met by different systems depending on the intensity and duration of the activity.
Physiological Balance in Dynamic Exercise is Crucial
Dynamic exercise requires the cooperation of many systems in the body. The respiratory system is responsible for absorbing oxygen into the blood and removing carbon dioxide, while the cardiovascular system transports this oxygen to the muscles. As exercise intensity increases, the coordination between these systems becomes even more critical. These mechanisms are adjusted according to the intensity of the exercise.
The Role of Exercise Testing
Exercise tests are used to assess an individual’s physical capacity and detect health issues. Tests can be either submaximal or maximal. Submaximal tests are typically preferred for older individuals or those with serious illnesses, while maximal tests are used for younger and healthier individuals. During exercise, parameters such as heart rate, oxygen consumption (VO2), and carbon dioxide production (VCO2) are measured to evaluate physical capacity. Fixed or incremental load tests are used to analyze the individual’s condition in detail.
These tests provide a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic systems and offer insights into their overall physical state.
They also play a key role in diagnosing diseases or evaluating the response to treatment.
Dyspnea Syndromes
Shortness of breath is one of the most common symptoms limiting exercise tolerance. This condition is typically associated with disturbances in gas exchange, insufficient cardiac output, or respiratory muscle insufficiency. Exercise tests help in better understanding these syndromes.
Correctly identifying and managing these syndromes is critical for improving patients’ quality of life and optimizing their physical activity.
Exercise physiology is an indispensable branch of science for maintaining and improving an individual’s health. It not only enhances performance in sports but also plays a vital role in detecting diseases and evaluating treatment responses. Given the increasing sedentary lifestyle in modern life, understanding the scientific foundations of exercise becomes even more crucial for all of us.
Do you plant to vist Antalya? You can consider arranging a meeting with PT. Yusuf Önkol, the physiotherapist. You can get detailed information about his services in his website.