Body Motions

The human body is designed to be full of motion to walk, talk, run, jump with each and every part, both external and internal mechanics, working together. Why is motion a key to our health even when ill?

The lack of body motion from disabilities and illness can bring about harmful effects. Many existing disabilities of today can be prevented and depends upon the care and effort one is willing to perform. Learning prevention begins once a person is ill or injured and may be for short or long term and necessary.

The main reasons of therapeutic purposes for rest and immobility should be, for the following reasons ;

– relief from pain
– prevent further injury
– reduce stress and work on the heart
– promote healing and repair
– reverse effects of gravity (hernias and prolapsed organs)

Major systems get affected by immobility and dependency increases for a person, unable to move their body. A cycle of dependency can lead to inability to care for oneself and further adverse effects for their health.

The human body reacts to immobility and affects major systems that should not be ignored and are as follows ;

– Cardiovascular, structure and function of veins may become engorged and valves damaged due to lack of muscle activity. Blood flow slows down and inadequate circulation is available to cells and tissues. Inactivity raises risk of clot formation .
– Heart, works harder when lying in a resting supine position. Effort of raising oneself, holding ones breath and sudden release, is called the ‘Valsalva’ maneuver (also done during a bowel movement) and done many times per hour causes a rush of blood (especially the slow circulated back flow of blood in lower body ) increasing the workload of the heart. Blood pressure also gets affected and may develop into ‘orthostatic hyptension’ (low blood pressure) when standing up straight. Risk of falling and injury is great.
– Respiratory, immobility causes a accumulation of thick secretions which can pool in the lower respiratory structures. Breathing keeps the lungs expanded, moves secretions up along the airways, improves return of blood to the heart by way of the venae cavae and pulmonary veins and removes carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs for expiration.
– Gastrointestinal, a indirect effect of immobility on the GI system arises during intake of food and water. Decreased metabolic needs contribute to anorexia, nutrition decreases may lead to protein deficiency ( hypoproteinemia). Constipation or diarrhea may occur due to fecal impaction, weakened muscle tone, ignoring the need to defecate leads to a diminished urge. This will require a enema or digital removal.
– Musculoskeletal, deterioration of muscles and bones is rapid and result in weakness and stiffness, loss of elasticity and demineralization of bones (osteoporosis).
– Skin, lack of circulation results in pressure sores aka ‘bed sores’ (decubitus ulcer) as cells die very quickly.
– Urinary, designed to function best when standing as urine flows down from the kidneys by pull of gravity. Immobility causes the kidneys to force urine against gravity. Sluggish flow leads to pooling and risk developing stones (calculi) and infection. Also, loss of sphincter muscle tone leads to urinary incontinence resulting in less awareness of the need to void and dribbling.
– Mental, mental health due to disability or illness will cause range of emotions arising from depending upon others, loss of independence, isolation, depression,

Prevention measures practiced by health care professionals can and are, applied at home, such as the following, depending upon the reasons for immobility ;

– Exercises, Range-of-motion exercises, maintains blood circulation, muscular activity, oxygen
– Frequent turning and proper positioning, prevent sores
– Avoid use of the Valsalva maneuver
– Increase fluids to maintain blood flow
– Coughing and Deep breathing, prevent and remove secretions from airways, improve oxygen
– Fluids and nutritious meals, calcium for bones

The importance of maintaining body mobility can not be stressed. Even if ill for a few days, one will notice or observe the effects. So, if you see a nurse or orderly (male nurse) moving or cajoling somebody into some form of movement, now you will know, that they are only doing it for the good of the person lying there. Excellent nutrition, fluids and exercise will help keep your health and sense of freedom in top order. Read related –> here and there.

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