Exercise as Medicine 7.5 credits

About the course

The course provides an in-depth understanding of how exercise and physical activity affect health and specific medical conditions. The course focuses on three main areas:

A. Individualized Exercise Programs for Specific Health Conditions
The course includes the development and implementation of evidence-based exercise programs for individuals with cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes), cancer, and asthma. Students learn to tailor exercise based on the individual's health status, medical guidelines, and physiological conditions.

B. Physiological and Biochemical Mechanisms Behind the Effects of Exercise
The course explores the effects of exercise at the cellular and systemic levels, focusing on muscle metabolism, hormonal responses, inflammatory processes, and the immune system. Students gain an understanding of how these mechanisms contribute to health and recovery in various disease states.

C. Public Health Strategies and Behavior Change
The course addresses strategies to promote physical activity at the societal level, including policy development, implementation, and behavior change methods. It discusses how physical activity can be promoted through public health strategies to reduce the prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases.