2 May 1995 Exercise Science Has Important Role In Today's World

The idea of a healthy mind in a healthy body has had age-old recognition. Today’s exercise scientists confirm it, and although there may be some "healthy" scientific debate as to how best to get there, all agree on the importance of the goal.

Lincoln University is playing its part and offers five undergraduate papers in Exercise Science and one at masters level.

The five undergraduate papers are drawn from anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, exercise medicine, exercise physiology and exercise nutrition, while the masters level paper is concerned with the various disciplines of exercise science applied to exercise prescription.

The coordinator of Exercise Science teaching and research at Lincoln University is Dr Jenny Ross of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, a physiologist whose doctoral research was concerned with muscle development.

Dr Ross is Canterbury branch chairperson of the New Zealand Federation of Sports Medicine and also serves on the federation's national council.

On the subject of exercise, Dr Ross says that while high intensity work-outs are great for some, the new wisdom is that low to moderate intensity physical activity is preferable and more appropriate for most of us.

"It is now recognised that the physical activity involved in daily tasks like housework, lawn mowing, gardening and walking can make a significant contribution to lowering cholesterol levels and keeping bones strong," she says.

Dr Ross points out that many groups with an interest in public health are now promoting physical activity in a way consistent with the American College of Sports Medicine's recommendations. For example, these are mirrored in the following guidelines from the American Medical Association.

• A regimented, vigorous exercise programme three or more times a week is not necessary to enjoy the major health benefits that come from regular physical activity.
• Moderate and intermittent physical activity – a short walk, climbing stairs, doing housework etc. – is sufficient to bring significant health benefits as long as you total up to 30 minutes of activity a day.
• Any amount of physical activity can increase your fitness. It is the actual doing of some moderate physical activity, not having achieved your optimal level of fitness, that lowers your risk of health nasties.
• Make small changes to your every-day routine to clock up the 30 minutes of physical activity per day. The possibilities are endless – kneading dough, pushing a lawnmower, playing with the children, walking the dog.

Meanwhile a Harvard study reported last month in the Journal of the American Medical Association is certain to stir confusion in gymnasiums and fitness clinics. It claims to show a definitive link between vigorous exercise and longevity. In essence it suggests that only hard exercise will lead to longer life. Such findings will obviously take some time to be assessed by the wider exercise science community, so in the meantime stick to that 30 minutes of physical activity per day however you chose to take it.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand.