How More Mobility Will Improve Your Health
In our next two blogs, we’d like to delve deeper into this beneficial profile of increased mobility and explore what it can mean for you.
How adequate mobility keeps doors open
To clarify exactly what we mean by the term, “mobility” is essentially the ability to intentionally move and navigate one’s environment. While most people don’t usually give much thought to the process of getting in and out of their car, going for a walk, or picking up their child, this can change rather suddenly if an event occurs that interferes with mobility.
Whether it’s due to musculoskeletal issues like knee pain or a bad back, being overweight or obese, or from a chronic condition, there are many possible scenarios that can serve as obstacles to regular mobility. The risk for experiencing health problems increases with age, and with it, so does the likelihood of having mobility impairments.
According to one study, about 21% of individuals over 65 reported having severe mobility limitations, while 18% reported having moderate limitations. But issues with mobility can occur at any stage of life, as other research has shown that 32% of people with major mobility difficulties started experiencing problems before the age of 50.
Regardless of when these complications begin, their impact can be felt in a similar way. Dealing with mobility limitations usually means not being able to do many of the things you enjoy, whether that’s tending to your garden, going on a bike ride with a friend, or playing hide-and-seek with your grandchildren. It can serve as a constant hindrance that forces you to think twice before making any decisions that involve movement, and oftentimes causes you to miss out.
On the other side of the coin, being adequately mobile means fewer restrictions and more options. When you can get around without any movement-related limitations, it keeps doors to the world around you open rather than closed and allows you to pursue what’s important to you. Good mobility also makes it much easier to exercise and stay physically active, which can, in turn, lead to positive changes. Regular physical activity is associated with a bounty of benefits that extend to practically every area of health, and it is therefore regarded as one of the most important habits for good overall health.
Below, we take a closer look at some of the most notable physical benefits of an active lifestyle and the research behind these connections.
The Top 6 Physical Benefits of Sufficient Mobility and Regular Activity
1. Improves cardiovascular health
· There is strong evidence showing that regular physical activity and high fitness levels are associated with a reduced risk for premature death from any cause, but particularly from cardiovascular (heart) disease in individuals without symptoms; this correlation is even stronger in those who get the highest levels of physical activity. Regular activity has also been found to be a preventative measure that lowers the risk for heart disease.
· Exercise and activity primarily improve heart health by lowering blood pressure, which reduces the strain on your heart to pump blood and circulates more oxygen to the rest of your body, both of which boost overall health parameters.
2. Increases strength and flexibility
· Regular exercise, by its very nature, will make bones and muscles stronger, while also increasing your flexibility and range of motion in the process; in turn, better strength and flexibility translates to a lower risk for musculoskeletal conditions like osteoarthritis, strains and sprains, fractures, and other painful problems.
· This is one of the best examples of the cyclical effect of adequate mobility, as moving more means less risk of experiencing pain, which allows more movement to occur, and so on.
3. Lowers the risk for falls
· Moving more will also lead to increased stability, which is particularly important for older individuals, since it has been found to significantly reduce the risk and number of falls in this population.
· Boosting strength, flexibility, and stability will improve one’s confidence and reduce movement-related fears as well, both of which contribute to fall risk.
4. Defends against type 2 diabetes
· Research has shown that regular physical activity can reduce the risk for developing type 2 diabetes—especially in individuals who are considered “prediabetic”—and improves outcomes in individuals who already have diabetes.
· Staying active allows blood sugar to stabilize and helps insulin to better absorb glucose, and because muscles use glucose more efficiently than fat, this will in turn prevent high blood sugar levels.
5. Reduces risk for certain cancers
· There is strong evidence showing that routine physical activity can reduce the risk for at least 13 types of cancer, including liver, kidney, breast, and colon cancers; it’s also been supported as a beneficial intervention for patients with active cancer who are currently undergoing treatment.
· For individuals who have cancer, most healthcare providers strongly recommend physical activity because it can improve their physical condition and mood, increase appetite, assist with sleep, and support a healthier immune system, all of which are essential in an effective cancer management strategy
6. Prevents osteoporosis
· Regular physical activity has also been found to prevent the loss of bone mineral density and osteoporosis—particularly in postmenopausal women—and it may slow the progression of osteoporosis in those who have the condition.
· This association results from exercise causing muscles and tendons to pull on bones, which in turn stimulates bone cells to produce more bone and makes them stronger.
As you can see, adequate mobility can allow you to be more physically active, and making physical activity and exercise a habit will consequently boost your physical health in several diverse ways. In our next blog, we’ll break down some of the most important mental benefits of mobility and movement.
Wearable Robotic Orthosis for Knee Pain Relief and Improved Mobility
Ascend is a smart knee orthosis designed to provide relief from knee pain and intuitively support everyday mobility. The customized, lightweight, and comfortable design reduces burden on the knee and adjusts to users as needed, enabling a confident, active and healthy lifestyle.
Smart sensor technology provides support when performing common motions like walking, kneeling, standing, sitting, and going up or down steps. Ascend provides a safe, non-invasive and non-surgical option for pain relief and mobility constraints related to osteoarthritis, knee instability, and/or weak quadriceps.
To learn more about knee pain or Ascend, visit www.ascend.health or call us at (415) 481-6400 or email us at hello@ascend.health
Medical Disclaimer: Ascend is registered with the FDA as a Class I medical device. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.