ADVANCE Perspective: Physical Therapy : Sports and Physical Fitness

Wii for the World Record

Elizabeth Puliti — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:17:00 GMT

The top story on CNNhealth.com today reads, "Seniors Wii bowl for world record and for health." According to the Guinness World Records, a world record was recently set in Houston, TX--for the world's largest senior citizen Wii bowling tournament! The...(read more)

Cycle Safe!

Elizabeth Puliti — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 20:53:00 GMT

This past Sunday, teams of professional cyclists pedaled their way through the last stage of the 2009 Tour de France and Alberto Contador was declared the winner. The race--approximately 3,500 kilometers over 23 days--attracted record-breaking crowds...(read more)

Don’t Be a Weekend Warrior

Elizabeth Puliti — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:35:00 GMT

With the shift to warm weather, people of all ages start thinking exercise. Before your older patients take their exercise routine outdoors, The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons this week advised baby boomers not to overdo it. In a press release,...(read more)

Female Athletes and the ACL

Elizabeth Puliti — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:13:00 GMT

BALTIMORE--In their session this morning, Timothy E. Hewett, PhD, FACSM and Terry Malone, PT, EdD, ATC, FAPTA, discussed how and why female athletes who participate in jumping and pivoting sports are 4 to 6 times more likely to sustain a knee ligament...(read more)

Guest Blogger: Naomi Aaronson MA, OTR/L, CHT

Elizabeth Puliti — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:54:00 GMT

Every Child Left Behind

As a school-based therapist, I see many changes since I was in elementary school. It seems the only thing that has remained are the shelter drills, and even they disappeared for a while!

No Child Left Behind, which was enacted in 2001, is a standards-based education reform law. Success will be due to the high expectations and setting of goals that all schools must adhere to. Progress of all public schools will be measured annually for math, science and reading in grades 3 - 8 through standardized testing. In addition, schools are required to use scientifically-based research strategies in the classroom and for staff professional development.

Unfortunately, states have been forced to make cut backs in necessary areas including education due to rising costs. Thus, subjects such as physical education, music and art have been decreasing in number due to budget restraints and the emphasis upon the above subjects. What is the effect upon children?

A study by the American Heart Association and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education contends that diminishing physical education in schools has contributed to rising levels of childhood obesity. I see many children who are being pushed to read and write way before they are emotionally, physically and cognitively ready. Developmentally they have not achieved the milestones necessary to function successfully in the school environment. These children have weak trunks, shoulders, arms and hands and lack the sitting tolerance and endurance as well as the attention necessary to achieve in the classroom day in and day out.

They are expected to learn with few breaks for movement, which is one of the ways children learn. In effect, we are creating a nation of overweight children who hopefully will be able to read and write--but with unknown health issues down the road. In the future, society will pay a heavy price for not thinking about a well-rounded education approach that includes hands-on activities such as music, physical education and art. It makes me sad to think that these children are missing parts of childhood that were once so treasured.

Virtual Fitness

Lauren Fritsky — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 14:16:00 GMT

Nintendo’s newly released “Wii Fit” is creating a buzz in the health care community. Many professionals champion the system, saying it can help young and old alike get healthy.

Though it offers activities and sports like the regular “Wii” does, “Wii Fit” goes a step further by using a wireless board to measure weight, height, Body Mass Index (BMI) and balance. The idea is that users can make sure they’re moving in the right way and also measure their fitness progress. The board can also be used for stretching and other activities. The rehab possibilities speak for themselves.

Would you consider using a video game system like “Wii Fit” with your clients? What do you think its pros and cons are?

Save the Planet…and Your Health!

Elizabeth Puliti — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:08:00 GMT

A recent article on CNN suggested that the American obesity epidemic and global warming may have more in common than you'd think. According to the article, "public health experts suggest people can attack them both by cutting calories and carbon dioxide at the same time."

How do you do it? Easy. Walk or bike instead of drive.

One scientist estimated that if all Americans between 10 and 74 walked a half hour a day instead of driving, they'd cut annual U.S. carbon dioxide emissions by 64 million tons, save 6.5 billion gallons of gasoline and shed more than 3 billion pounds overall.

Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Public Health Association plan on promoting the dual benefits of combating global warming and obesity through exercise.

Although the benefits are great, changing habits is hard to do. Many people won't willingly walk or bike to the store instead of drive.

Do you think linking obesity and global warming is a creative way to get people moving?

Breaking Down Barriers

Rob Senior — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 15:03:00 GMT

Last week, the Los Angeles Dodgers made news by hiring Sue Falsone, MS, PT, ATC, CSCS, as the first female physical therapist in Major League Baseball. The hire highlighted the increasing trend of professional sports teams bringing in their own physical therapists.

In the past, injured athletes would be sent to independent physical therapy practices for rehabilitation. Teams would have unwritten agreements with certain providers to send players exclusively to that particularly facility for rehab, so some may see hiring a team PT as simply the next logical step.

From a professional standpoint, this can only be seen as a positive. Each sector of society that accepts and embraces physical therapy as an essential part of its organization is another important step towards professional autonomy. The fact that athletes comprise such a large portion of rehab patients makes this particular victory all the more vital, while the hiring of a female therapist emphasizes the importance of equality in the workplace and the availability of these jobs to all rehab professionals, regardless of gender.

What are some other areas of society that could benefit from the inclusion of physical therapy?