Exercise Is Medicine through Time: Prescription of Adapted Physical Activity in Treatment and Rehabilitation

Abstract

The history of physical activity and sport dates to ancient times, when it was not only a means of preparation for military readiness but also had religious and educational purposes. The relationship between physical activity and good health goes back centuries accepted, as formulated by Hippocrates 2500 years ago. In Greek antiquity, “gymnastike” highlighted physical beauty in harmony with the soul and spirit, perfecting simultaneously an individual’s personality and health. Lifelong exercise administered by gymnasts was applied to strengthen weak limbs, and contributed to the healing of patients when applied in the healthcare facilities of the time, as mentioned in “Asclepieia.” Nowadays, the idea that “exercise is medicine” has two components: (1) every patient’s treatment or rehabilitation plan should include physical activity and exercise training, but the prescription must be tailored to the patient’s specific needs and (2) doctors’ challenge lies in implementing this medical prescription for adapted physical activity (APA), which encourages patients to lead more active lives.