Activity and Exercise
Asif Ali Magsi
PostRN BScN
Lecturer
BINACHS
Objectives
• Define Activity and Exercise
• Describe the concept of oxygenation
• Discuss the effects of mobility and immobility
• Discuss assessment data of activity and exercise
• Describe the benefits of Exercise
• Discuss the principles of body mechanics
• Demonstrate range of motion (ROM)
• Identify guidelines for moving clients
• Discuss nursing diagnosis regarding Activity and
Exercise.
Physical Activity & Exercise
• Physical Activity:
Defined as “any bodily movement that is produced
by the contraction of skeletal muscles and increases
energy expenditure.”
• Exercise;
is defined as “a subclass of physical activity,
planned structured, and repetitive bodily
movement done to improve or maintain one or
more components of physical fitness.”
• For Example, going for a walk or going to gym or
swimming.
Concept of Oxygenation/Respiration
Components of Respiration :
1. The movement of air between the atmosphere
and alveoli of the lungs.
2. Diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide between
alveoli and capillaries.
3. Transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide via blood
to tissues.
4. Diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide between
capillaries and cell.
Terms cont…
• Mobility:
The ability to move freely, easily and
purposefully.
• Joint Mobility:
The ability of joints to move freely and
purposefully to their maximum level.
• Alignment:
The proper relationship of body parts to one
another. It is also called posture.
Manifestations of Altered Respiratory
Function
• Cough
• Sputum Production
• Shortness of Breath
• Chest Pain
• Abnormal Breath Sounds
• Accessory Muscle Use
• Cyanosis
• Clubbing nails.
Effects of Immobility and exercise on Body
Systems
• Musculoskeletal System
• Cardiovascular System
• Respiratory System
• Metabolic System
• Urinary System
• Gastrointestinal System
• Integumentary System
• Psycho neurological System
Assessment
Nursing history:
Medical history, surgical, Life style, habits, etc
Physical assessment:
• Inspection, auscultation, percussion and
palpation.
Assessing Problems of Immobility
Musculoskeletal System
• Measure leg and arm Circumferences
• Palpate and Observe body joints
Cardiovascular System
• Auscultate heart
• Measure BP
• Palpate periphery for edema
• Palpate peripheral pulses
Respiratory System
• Observe chest movement
• Auscultate chest
Metabolic System
• Measure height and weight
• Take anthropometric measurements
• Observe wound healing
• Palpate body skin for generalized edema
Urinary System
• Measure intake and output
• Palpate urinary bladder for retention
Gastrointestinal System
• Observe stool consistency
• Auscultate bowel sounds
Integumentary System
• Observe skin for intactness
Benefits of Exercise
• Increased endurance
• Increased strength
• Increased flexibility
• Increased energy
• Helps lose or maintain weight
• Relieves depression
• Improves sleep!
• Improves blood pressure
Benefits cont….
• Stabilizes blood sugar levels
• Strengthens your heart
• Improves cholesterol levels
• Reduces the risk for heart disease
• Helps prevent joints from becoming stiff and
painful.
SYMPTOMS THAT SHOULD BE REPORTED
• Pain or pressure in chest, neck or jaw
• Excessive fatigue, not related to lack of sleep
• Unusual shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness during or after
exercise
• Persistent rapid or irregular heart rate during
or after exercise
How to Get Started
The “FITT” Principle
• FREQUENCY (days per week)
• INTENSITY (how hard)
• TYPE of Activity
• Time (how long to go)
• Note: “Lack of activity destroys the good condition of
every human being, while movement and methodical
physical exercise save it and preserve it.”
Body Mechanics
• Body mechanics: using alignment, posture, and
balance in a coordinated effort to perform activities
like lifting, bending, and moving.
Components of Body Mechanics:
• Gravity
• Vertical alignment
• Base of support
Principles
1. Assess the situation carefully before acting
2. Use your legs’ large muscles
3. Perform work at the appropriate level
4. Use mechanical lifts if needed
Guidelines for Moving Clients
• Assess the client’s abilities and limitations.
• Explain what are you going to do.
• Medicate patient (if needed) to provide optimal
pain relief.
• Organize environment, and request needed help.
• Permit the patient to do as much as his/her
capabilities allow.
• Consider safety precautions (lock wheels etc.)
• Follow the principles of body mechanics
• Prevent trauma
Types of Exercise
• Classified by the source of energy (aerobic or anaerobic)
and by the type of muscle tension (isotonic or isometric)
• Aerobic: requires oxygen
e.g., Walking, running, cycling
• Anaerobic: Oxygen demand exceeds oxygen supply
• All endurance exercise become anaerobic when oxygen
sources are depleted
• Isotonic: is a dynamic exercise
e.g., walking, running
• Isometric: is a static exercise
e.g., exercising while sitting or standing
Range of Motion
• Flexion
• Extension
• Hyperextension
• Inversion
• Eversion
• Abduction
• Adduction
• Circumduction
• Pronation
• Supination
Nursing Diagnosis
• Activity Intolerance / High risk for
• Impaired Physical Mobility
• High risk for Disuse Syndrome
• High risk for impaired skin integrity
Planning and Outcome
Identification
Bed Rest
Restorative Nursing Care (Changing position)
Health Promotion and Fitness
Implementation
• Transfer Techniques
Moving clients
Transferring from bed to chair
Transferring from bed to stretcher
Assistive devices
• Assisting with Ambulation
Preparing the client to walk
Client education
Perambulating exercise
Assisting with Ambulation
• Assistive Devices
-Canes -Crutches -Walkers
Evaluation
• Measures of physical assessment, functional
assessment, and performance of ADLs are used for
follow-up evaluation of client’s status for activity and
mobility.
• Ongoing assessment of client’s activity and mobility
is important because compliance with home exercise
programs may lessen over time after discharge.
References
• Brunner's and sudarth’s,text book of medical
and surgical,)”Lippincott” (2010) 12th edition,
volume 1.
