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Why exercise is better than medicine
Author: Sport Science: Media / Sportwetenskap: Media
Published: 11/10/2016

In April this year an 84-year-old woman was brought to the Stellenbosch Biokinetics Centre by her daughter with the request that a biokineticist help develop her mother's mobility and physical strength. 

The patient was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2009. This is a severely debilitating condition which is more than just forgetting things. Due to impaired blood supply to the brain a broad spectrum of cognitive functions is affected, including memory, thinking and reasoning skills. Additionally, language problems and mood changes can arise. This condition thus has a significant impact on an individual's ability to independently perform activities of daily living.

Having completed her PhD in 2015 on the role of exercise on the cognitive function of older individuals, Dr Carla Coetsee was assigned to the client. In addition to the usual screening tests to assess the abilities of the client, Dr Coetsee also administered the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) which among other things evaluates visuospatial ability, memory, attention and orientation. The client scored 4 out of a possible 30 points, confirming the severity of her cognitive dysfunction.

Dr Coetsee embarked on a simple programme which consisted mainly of cycling on a recumbent bicycle, balance exercises and functional body weight training. The lady wasn't able to follow instructions, i.e. stepping with the left or right foot, or cycle fluently on the bike and for the first couple of sessions Dr Coetsee had to remind her that she was there to exercise. The client diligently attended two sessions per week and after a few difficult weeks, she started to respond. She would recognise Dr Coetsee and remember her name when they met for the session, she knew her left foot from the right foot and she cycled on the bike like a pro. Remarkably, after only 20 exercise sessions she was able to complete the task on her own and completely correct.

According to the client's daughter, her mother became more responsive, less anxious and frustrated about her condition and showed better balance and flexibility.

Please don't wait until you're 84 years old. Start an exercise programme today and be as active as you can. Better still, book a few exercise sessions at the Stellenbosch Biokinetics Centre and learn which exercises would be best for you.  Call the Centre today: 021 808 4735 or send an e-mail to biokin@sun.ac.za.