J Korean Med Assoc.  2024 Sep;67(9):552-558. 10.5124/jkma.2024.67.9.552.

Exercise is medicine: how should medicine embrace exercise as a key therapeutic tool?

• Lim JY

• KMID: 2559643
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2024.67.9.552

Abstract

Background
As chronic diseases and the aging population increase, exercise is becoming more and more essential along with medical treatment for recovering and maintaining individuals’ physical health. Furthermore, the demand for exercise-based interventions in this context is growing. Although most healthcare professionals recognize the effectiveness and necessity of exercise, the “Exercise is Medicine” initiative has not been established in clinical settings. We aim to discuss the effectiveness and importance of exercise in the treatment and management of diseases and how exercise should be considered a key therapeutic tool in medicine.
Current Concepts
Exercise-related mechanisms and their influence on body structure and function should be considered in disease management. It is necessary to understand these interactions and monitor their effects on the entire body. During recovery after an injury, exercise rehabilitation is provided as program customized according to the phase and function levels, the clinical pathway of which is feasible and effective. Exercise programs for maintaining the functioning and physical and mental health of people with disabilities should be developed by considering individuals’ functional levels, disability types, and conditions. Correct posture, microbreaks, and regular exercise are key to managing musculoskeletal pain.
Discussion and Conclusion
To ensure the effectiveness of the “Exercise is Medicine” initiative, exercise should be included in the National Health Insurance System after clarifying the indications and clinical effectiveness of exercise therapy and defining specific procedures. Furthermore, increased awareness and changes in the attitude of healthcare professionals and patients toward exercise are necessary. It is now time for the medical community to ponder over and pool its wisdom on how to adopt exercise as a key therapeutic tool.

Keyword

Aging; Chronic disease; Disabled persons; Exercise therapy; Pain management; 노화; 만성질환; 장애인; 운동치료; 통증관리