Musculoskeletal fitness, health outcomes and quality of life

The health benefits and quality-of-life outcomes of a fit musculoskeletal s ystem (musculoskeletal fitness) are reviewed in this article. The World Hea lth Organization suggests health is a state of complete physical, mental or social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Phys ical health includes such characteristics as body size and shape, sensory a cuity, susceptibility to disease and disorders, body functioning, recuperat ive ability and the ability to perform certain tasks. One aspect of physical health is the musculoskeletal system, which consists of 3 components; muscular strength, endurance and flexibility. Muscular st rength (dynamic) is defined as the maximum force a muscle or muscle group c an generate at a specific velocity. Muscular endurance is the ability of a muscle or muscle CY group to perform repeated contractions against a load f or an extended period of time. Flexibility has 2 components, dynamic or sta tic, where dynamic flexibility is the opposition or resistance of a joint t o motion, that is, the forces opposing movement rather than the range of mo vement itself. Static flexibility is the range of motion about a joint, typ ically measured as the degree of arc at the end of joint movement. If stren gth, endurance and flexibility are not maintained, musculoskeletal fitness is then compromised which can significantly impact physical health and well -being. Many health benefits are associated with musculoskeletal fitness, such as r educed coronary risk factors, increased bone mineral density (reduced risk of osteoporosis), increased flexibility, improved glucose tolerance, and gr eater success in completion of activities of daily living (ADL). With aging , the performance of daily tasks can become a challenge. Additionally, fall s, bone fractures and the need for institutional care indicate a musculoske letal weakness as we age. The earlier in life an individual becomes physica lly active the greater the increase in positive health benefits; however, b ecoming physically active at any age will benefit overall health. Improved musculoskeletal fitness (for example, through resistance training combined with stretching) is associated with an enhanced health status. Thu s, maintaining musculoskeletal fitness can increase overall quality of life .