Susan S. Deusinger, Ph.D.

DEPARTMENT OF Physical Therapy
Keywords: health promotion, exercise, obesity

Sedentary lifestyles and the obesity which is often associated with those choices are two of this nation's most common problems. The positive effects of physical activity and exercise on the morbidity associated with obesity have been clearly demonstrated. However, the prevalence of sedentary lifestyles continues to pose an enormous risk for the 60% of Americans who engage in almost no physical activity on a regular basis. Our research is directed at discovering the attitudinal antecedents and the physical effects of exercise behavior in obese individuals of a variety of ages. Preliminary investigations with obese adults indicates that balance is deficient, speed of movement is impaired and, therefore, functional activities such as negotiating stairs, rising from a chair and regaining standing from the floor may be at risk. The impact of these risks on independence in daily life and safety of movement during work and recreation may be significant and may be associated with further decreases in sedentary behavior to preserve one's safety. Furthermore, attitudes and belief systems have been demonstrated to influence an individual's decision to pursue health behaviors. Failure to make exercise a health priority may account for obese (and other) individuals' decisions about whether to incorporate exercise into daily life. The perception that family and work obligations prevent one from participating in physical activity and exercise offers a major challenge for interventions designed to help Americans incorporate physical activity and exercise into their daily life. Particularly for the obese, the priority for adopting healthy levels of exercise is critical. However, the long-term benefits for health of pursuing appropriate strength, flexibility, balance and endurance are applicable to all populations regardless of body weight. Our research is intended to clarify both the functional benefits of exercise for obese individuals and the attitudinal barriers which prevent incorporation of regular exercise into one's life. The outcome will be to further define the physical therapist's unique role in administering exercise programs for individuals who are clearly at risk for pain and functional deficits and potentially at risk for true disability due to the adverse effects of obesity.