Assistance protocol of physical fitness departments for individuals with neuromuscular and musculoskeletal diseases

Abstract

Physical fitness supervised by Physical Education professionals inserted in a rehabilitation program for patients with neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders aims to increase muscle strength, improve motor coordination, dynamic balance, aerobic capacity, functional capacity and health-related physical fitness. This is an important intervention to prevent and mitigate the synergy between loss of physical function and exacerbation of various comorbidities that compromise functional independence, modify risk factors, increase quality of life and longevity with reduced mortality. The aim of this paper is to present the assistance protocol of the Physical Conditioning Service of the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of the Clinical Hospital of the University of São Paulo Medical School (IMREA-HCFMUSP), designed for the intervention of physical exercises, respecting the profile and physical limitations of these patients, as well as observing their clinical markers.