Moving brings numerous benefits to our health: it improves the functioning of our organs, the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, among others. Furthermore, movement is closely linked to our mental health: exercising regularly and spending more time moving helps reduce the chances of suffering from anxiety and depression, in addition to positively impacting our mood and contributing to better rest.
“First of all, it is essential to understand the development of movement beyond mechanical action,” explains Alejandro Midley, director of the degree in Kinesiology and Physiatry at the
Italian Hospital University Institute of Buenos Aires (IUHIBA).
“We must understand it as an expression of health and well-being, quality of life and work, which impacts body image, self-awareness, and the relationship with oneself and the environment,” he adds.
“Movement collaborates in the construction of the body schema to the extent that it stimulates the different receptors that send central information,” develops Mercedes Pozzo, academic secretary of the new degree.
The interconnections that are generated between neurons as a product of movement enhance and develop the sensory and motor areas of the brain, promoting both physical and mental health as well as self-awareness, which allows the body to have greater and better access to more information about itself. . “The practice of physical activity collaborates in this sense and improves the quality of movement, which allows us to refine the image of one’s self,” the professional explains.
Appearance of motor problems and how to prevent them
Statistically, the appearance of motor problems can be related to three important factors: family history and genetic load, physical and sports activity, daily and work habits. In childhood, the appearance of motor problems is related to the first factor, while in adolescents and adults the second and third factors prevail.
“The best prevention is to set guidelines from childhood regarding postures and daily habits. As well as getting involved in the environmental conditions (physical, social, emotional and cultural environment) that influence the correction or perpetuity of habits,” explains Alejandro Midley. “Difficulties such as the poverty of the educational environment, the absence or insufficiency of stimulation, and parental rejection are experienced, physically, by the child. The most favorable context for the evolution of movement in childhood is that of action, experimentation, play, and social exchange with adults and peers. Promoting a context of positive and affectionate relationships is crucial in the image that the child builds of himself,” says Mercedes Pozzo.
The role of the kinesiologist
The range of disciplines of kinesiology has been expanding and modifying in the last five decades, therefore, the indication for kinesiology treatment can be very varied. For each discipline there is a specialist, from motor rehabilitation in processes related to traumatology and orthopedics, to neurological rehabilitation in both pediatrics and adults, pulmonary rehabilitation in the case of patients with chronic lung pathologies or the role played by the intensive care kinesiologist. with critically ill patients in critical care units.
Treatment with a kinesiology professional is indicated for any patient who has the possibility of rehabilitating functions. For this reason, the spokespersons for the Italian Hospital University Institute of Buenos Aires emphasize that, although the discipline is broad, it is necessary to have this rehabilitation objective.
“The perspective of a kinesiologist goes beyond the rehabilitation of the pathology itself, it reaches the community perspective, through the prevention of new pathologies and health promotion,” adds Pozzo. “Effective communication is part of the skills that a kinesiology professional must achieve in order to transmit information to the patient, promoting adherence to the rehabilitation process.”
Not having professionals trained in any of these disciplines is not only dangerous because of the delay it can cause, but also because of the damage to which the patient may be exposed both physically and mentally.
