Scrubbing in, Working out : Moving through Medical School

By- Sai Lavanya Patnala, Intern, Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Hyderabad

Introduction

As medical students, we all listen to lectures about preventive medicine. Despite being well aware of the importance of physical activity for disease prevention and learning to advise patients on healthy lifestyle choices, some of us struggle to implement these recommendations in their own lives. Although medical students and doctors have an active job, often tiresome as well, we must realize the importance of Health enhancing physical activity and incorporate it into our daily lives.

Why move?

Any form of physical activity is linked with preventing several diseases including metabolic disorders, cancer, and mood disorders. (1) Psychological distress, ranging from syndromes such as burnout to formal psychiatric disorders such as depression is deleterious to the professional and personal lives of medical students. Because of lack of autonomy, low status in the medical hierarchy, and intense physical, emotional, and intellectual demands all contribute to distress, junior trainees (including medical students) who have yet to develop personalized coping mechanisms are particularly susceptible to distress. Distress experienced during training can have longstanding effects and is associated with serious consequences including alcohol use disorders and higher rates of suicide. (2)

(3)

A study conducted among medical students of UCLA found that health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) was associated with lowest levels of stress. Only about one-quarter of students in the study achieved that level, a figure that was 37 percentage points lower than that of their same-aged peers. (2)

The CDC and AHA both recommend getting at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both, spread throughout the week. (4,5)

(5)

What is movement therapy?

For individuals who find traditional exercise routines monotonous or uninspiring, exploring different forms of physical activity can be a game-changer. Movement therapy, gaining popularity for its proven benefits in various disorders, offers medicos a simple way to include HEPA in their daily lives. It is important to acknowledge that there are practical barriers that may prevent medical students from achieving HEPA guidelines. Foremost among these barriers are substantial time commitments and the physically taxing medical school curriculum, which likely explain why medical students tend to preferentially engage in moderate physical activity. (2)

Dance/movement therapy or DMT is formally defined as the psychotherapeutic use of movement to furthers the emotional, cognitive, social and physical integration of the individual. One of the features of movement therapies includes integration of mind, body, emotions, creativity and spirituality by including relaxation and breathwork and facilitates new ways of physical and emotional coping. (6) It is also associated with increased self-awareness, which can help students better understand their reactions to stressors, improve self-regulation skills, and develop greater empathy for patients. Engaging in movement-based activities can enhance their ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and nonverbally, which is essential for building rapport with patients and collaborating with colleagues.

Movement therapy also includes Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong are practices that exert their effect primarily on the flow and balance of the body’s energy and flexibility, coordination, balance, and strength. The control of the flow and rhythm of the breath connects body and mind and  modulates neurochemistry by activating parasympathetic tone and the limbic system. (7)  Overall, integrating these movement therapies into their routines equips medical students with valuable tools to maintain holistic health and excel in their future careers.

Conclusion

Incorporating movement into the lives of medical students offers a multitude of benefits that extend beyond physical fitness. By prioritizing movement and integrating it into our daily routines, we can cultivate a holistic approach to overall well-being, leading to improved academic performance, resilience, and helps us set strong examples for our patients. Let’s practice moving more before we prescribe!(8)

References

1. Wang Y, Ashokan K. Physical Exercise: An Overview of Benefits From Psychological Level to Genetics and Beyond. Front Physiol. 2021 Aug 12;12:731858. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2021.731858. PMID: 34456756; PMCID: PMC8397487.
2. Leuchter RK, Stuber ML, McDonald AL, Croymans DM. Relationship between exercise intensity and stress levels among U.S. medical students. Med Educ Online. 2022;27(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/10872981.2022.2027651
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health Benefits of Physical Activity. Accessed [10th May 2024]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/health-benefits-of-physical-activity.html#adults
4. American Heart Association. AHA Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults. Accessed [10th May 2024]. Available from: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Physical Activity Basics. Accessed [10th May 2024]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm
6. Goodill S. An Introduction to Medical Dance/Movement Therapy: Health Care in Motion. 1st ed. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers; 2005.
7. McDonough-Means SI, Cohen MW. Attention Deficit Disorder. In: Rakel D, editor. Integrative Medicine (Second Edition). W.B. Saunders; 2007. p. 93-117. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9781416029540500156. DOI: 10.1016/B978-1-4160-2954-0.50015-6.
8. CartoonStock. “Medical Student Cartoons and Comics.” Accessed [10th May 2024], https://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/m/med_student.asp