Combining physical exercise with clinical practice

 

Welcome to the information page of the major "Therapeutic Exercise" of the Postgraduate Program "Molecular and Applied Physiology" of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

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Physical exercise provides scientifically documented and evidence-based beneficial effects on health, both in terms of prevention and complementary treatment of various chronic diseases. In particular, scientific evidence and internationally proven practices highlight the important benefits of including exercise in clinical practice and support the need to develop strategies for prescribing and referring patients to participate in specialised exercise programmes.

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The "Therapeutic Exercise" specialization is fully aligned with these international recommendations and practices, as outlined in the World Health Organization and International Movement for the Promotion of Exercise in Health "Exercise is Medicine®" Guidelines and have been adopted by the Central Health Council (CCHC) of our country, which recognizes Therapeutic Exercise as an Adjunctive Therapy in the National Health System: https://www.moh.gov.gr/articles/kentriko-symboylio-ygeias-ndash-kesy/kateythynthries-odhgies/5887-h-therapeytikh-askhsh-ws-symplhrwmatikh-therapeia-kateythynthries-odhgies

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Specifically, the purpose of the Therapeutic Exercise major is to provide expert training to exercise and health scientists on the safe and effective implementation of exercise programs to prevent disease, contribute to its treatment and improve quality of life. The content of the Major is based on two main pillars of specific theoretical and practical knowledge:

(a) the pathophysiology and specific characteristics of a variety of chronic diseases; and

b) the design and implementation of specific exercise protocols, based on specific indications, tailored to the needs of the patient and the specificities of the disease.

This knowledge is provided by lecturers from various scientific specialities, of recognised prestige and long clinical experience.

As part of the specific training of postgraduate students, special emphasis is placed on the assessment of the patient's exercise capacity through laboratory courses in ergospirometric assessment and their use for monitoring the patient's health status and designing individualised exercise programmes.

 

In addition, the acquisition of practical knowledge and skills is enhanced through the mandatory six-month Practical Training in partner, public and private, nursing institutions and treatment centres that implement exercise programmes as part of clinical practice.

 

Based on this specific curriculum, the major "Therapeutic Exercise" has the ultimate goal of creating a network of specialized, appropriately trained exercise and health scientists who will be able to undertake the implementation of exercise programs in clinical populations, working well as members of the multidisciplinary health care team.

In addition, graduates of this major, holders of the corresponding Master of Science degree, having invested in the preparation of a clinical/experimental study, will be able to further develop their specific knowledge at PhD level, both in clinical and molecular exercise physiology, enhancing the prospect of a successful scientific and professional career.

More detailed information about the content and the lecturers of the curriculum of the Specialization "Therapeutic Exercise" can be found

HERE.​