Continuing Medical Education

Physiotherapy in rehabilitation and prohabilitation across the lifespan

N Naidoo, R Barnes, N Mlenzana, K Mostert, S L Amosun

Abstract


There is considerable evidence to support the rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Reduction of the NCD burden is of vital importance globally, including South Africa (SA). Recent evidence demonstrates that NCDs commence in early childhood and continue throughout the lifespan. Strengthening of interprofessional and multidisciplinary team efforts supports a decrease in the impact of NCDs on individuals, families and communities and enhances health-related quality of life to improve productivity of the SA economy. Mounting overweight/obesity rates and poor nutrition cause NCDs, which are preventable. It is  important that healthcare practitioners identify causes of ill-health and promote health among patients, rather than await symptoms and then determine treatment. It is also critically important to inspire positive lifestyle changes in one’s patients.


Authors' affiliations

N Naidoo, Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa

R Barnes, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

N Mlenzana, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa

K Mostert, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa

S L Amosun, Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa

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Keywords

Physiotherapy; Rehabilitation; Prohabilitation

Cite this article

South African Medical Journal 2019;109(3):142-144. DOI:10.7196/SAMJ.2019.v109i3.013902

Article History

Date submitted: 2019-02-26
Date published: 2019-02-26

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