1.1 Introduction
Globally, the prevalence of chronic illnesses is gradually rising. According to Okediji et al. (2017), these disorders have a variety of consequences and ramifications that impact not just the patient but the entire household in many ways. Since chronic illnesses often rob people of their potential for both health and production, they have been linked to disability, which may have a major financial impact on the affected person and their family (Suhrcke et al., 2006). Chronic conditions such diabetes mellitus, heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, mental disorders, and other non-communicable diseases are becoming important problems (WHO, 2011). Exercise and physical activity therefore contribute to the prevention and treatment of chronic illness.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Exercise and regular physical activity have been demonstrated over time to promote the release of peripheral Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (Hötting et al., 2016), enhance blood flow, improve cerebrovascular health, and make it easier for nutrients and energy to reach the brain (Mandolesi et al., 2017). According to a number of research, exercise improves cognitive abilities in older individuals and adolescents (Fernandes et al., 2017; Chieffi et al., 2017). Exercise also halts the aging-related decline in cognitive function (Niemann et al., 2014). Frequent exercise and physical activity also improves quality of life, slows the decline of other mental capacities [60], and lowers the risk of dementia (Mandolesi et al., 2017).
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) claimed 17.9 million lives in 2016, making them the primary cause of mortality. In addition to other chronic illnesses including obesity, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dementia, and Alzheimer's disease, cancer is the second biggest cause of mortality worldwide, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Physical inactivity is one of the many variables that might contribute to or worsen the majority of chronic illnesses. But when done well, exercise and physical activity have a significant positive impact on managing and preventing a number of chronic illnesses and health-related disorders. The present review centres on the function of exercise in the prevention and treatment of chronic illnesses, as well as the underlying biochemical process.
Chronic illnesses and poverty are linked in a vicious cycle, according to WHO (2002), which has significant negative and underappreciated economic repercussions on families, communities, and nations. The poorest individuals in nearly every country are most at risk of having chronic illnesses and passing away too soon from them. Due to a lack of access to health care and increased risk exposure, those in poverty are more susceptible to chronic disease. Chronic illnesses have the potential to destroy a family's economic prospects; therefore those who are already impoverished are the ones who are most likely to suffer.
Chronic sickness inhibits both young and old people's everyday functioning in Nigeria, as it does in other developing nations, due to physical or mental health issues. According to WHO (2001), the presence of a chronically ill family member has an impact on all members of the family. Long-lasting conditions with a typically sluggish course are known as chronic illnesses. The world health organisation (WHO, 2005) states that chronic illnesses like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory disorders account for 63% of all deaths worldwide. of the 36 million people who died from chronic illnesses in 2008, nine million were under the age of sixty, and 90% of these premature deaths happened in low- and middle-income nations.
According to Anderson et al. (2020), chronic diseases are non-infectious, slowly developing, and long-lasting illnesses that are often brought on by a bad lifestyle, genetics, and environmental factors. Due to the adoption of sedentary lifestyles (physical inactivity) combined with high calorie intake, the incidence of chronic illnesses has increased dramatically in recent years. Research from epidemiology, experiments, and clinical settings is abundant in demonstrating that behavioural risk factors, including a sedentary lifestyle, bad diets, alcohol use, and tobacco use, start the dysfunctions that lead to chronic illnesses (Booth et al., 2008; Booth et al., 2007; Olsen et al., 2008). One modifiable risk factor that raises the likelihood of acquiring chronic illnesses is physical inactivity (Katzmarzyk et al., 2012).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Role of Exercise in Preventing Chronic Disease.
1.3 Statement of Problems
An investigation showed that chronic disease, particularly in families, is one of the main health issues that people today are confronting. The group that chronic sickness is most likely to affect is the lower income earning group. Chronic illness is now seen as a serious concern in the Nigerian health system. The economic effects of the rising illness burden have not been thoroughly recorded, despite the clear epidemiological preponderance of chronic disease, which piques the researcher's curiosity. This is especially true for families with lower incomes. Therefore, the study tends to determine the contribution of Exercise in Preventing Chronic Disease.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to examine the Role of Exercise in Preventing Chronic Disease. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To find out the role played by health care givers in provision of exercise activity to their patients;
- To investigate the effect of exercise in management of chronic diseases;
- To explore ways in which exercise functions as a promote public health; and
- To determine the contribution of exercise and physical activity in prevention and management of Chronic Diseases.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the role played by health care givers in provision of exercise activity to their patients?
- What is the effect of exercise in management of chronic diseases?
- What are the ways in which exercise functions as a promote public health?
- What is the contribution of exercise and physical activity in prevention and management of Chronic Diseases?
1.6 Significance of Study
The outcome of the findings will be relevant to health care providers which have to correctly decide the moment when to introduce exercise in the patient’s care program (McKinley, Stokes, Exley & Field, 2004).
This study will be of immense benefit to researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The scope of the research is focused on the role of exercise in preventing chronic disease in Nigeria.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Research Material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.9 Definition of Terms
Chronic Diseases:
It is condition that limits daily activities, require ongoing medical attention, and persist for a year or longer.
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