Self study task (Heading 1)



|Self study task |

|SS06 |

|Quiz – Nervous system |

|SISFFIT305A Apply anatomy and physiology principles in a fitness context |

| |

|This task is mapped to required knowledge within this unit of competency. |

| |

|This task focuses on assessing your knowledge in regards to the anatomy and physiology, and the role, of the nervous systems. It also |

|focuses on some basic terminology relevant to fitness. |

| |

|Task: |

|1. What is epilepsy and how does it present? |

|2. What Alzheimer’s disease and how does it present? |

|3. What is Parkinson's disease and how does it present? |

|4. What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and how does it present? |

|5. What lifestyle changes might you suggest for someone with: |

|a) a history of stroke? |

|b) epilepsy? |

|c) severe muscle wasting post immobilisation? |

|6. What role does the nervous system play in muscle contractions? |

|7. What changes occur in the nervous system as a result of resistance training? |

|8. Explain the stretch reflex and the proprioceptors involved. |

|9. Explain the inverse stretch reflex and the proprioceptors involved. |

1. What is epilepsy and how does it present?

Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain whereby the brain cells send off an abnormal electrical signal causing seizures involving jerking, uncontrolled movements and sometimes loss of consciousness.

How does it present?

These are the most common symptoms experienced either before, or during, a seizure. Your symptoms will depend upon the type of seizures you are having, so you might not experience all of these symptoms:

Weakness: Weakness can occur in any seizure type and in any area of the body. For instance, weakness can either occur in an arm, a leg or both.

Anxiety: Anxiety is usually experienced in most seizure types and can signal a seizure is about to occur. In some types of seizures, anxiety, or an impending sense of doom, can be an aura, or a consistent symptom in a person right before they have a seizure.

Staring: Staring out into space is a symptom experienced by individuals who have absence seizures. Usually, these individuals appear to be briefly daydreaming when, in fact, they are actually experiencing a seizure. This usually only lasts for a few seconds and may be accompanied by blinking or repetitive movements, such as movement of the mouth or fingers.

Purposeless or Repetitive Movements: This can include actions such as picking lint off of a shirt, repetitive shifting, repetitive tapping of the fingers, repetitive chewing or repeating words. These movements can occur before a seizure occurs or during some seizures.

Loss of Consciousness: Some seizures may cause a loss of consciousness, which may last for a few seconds to hours.

Contraction, or Jerking, of Body Muscles: Usually when you think of seizures, the characteristic thought is that of every muscle contracting in the body. This is referred to as a grand mal seizure. However, involuntary muscle contractions can also occur in isolated areas of the body. For instance, muscle contractions in an arm may cause an object to crash to the ground. Muscle contractions in the legs may cause someone to drop to the ground, causing further injuries.

2. What Alzheimer’s disease and how does it present?

Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible brain disease that slowly destorys memory and thinking cells. It is a progressive disease that leads to the inability to carry out even the simplest of tasks. Physical activity, social engagement, nutritious diet and mentally stimulating activites can all help keep the brain healthy.

How does it Present?

In the early stages of Alzheimer's disease can be very subtle. However, it often begins with lapses in memory and difficulty in finding the right words for everyday objects.

Other symptoms may include:

• Persistent and frequent memory difficulties, especially of recent events

• Vagueness in everyday conversation

• Apparent loss of enthusiasm for previously enjoyed activities

• Taking longer to do routine tasks

• Forgetting well-known people or places

• Inability to process questions and instructions

• Deterioration of social skills

• Emotional unpredictability.

3. What is Parkinson's disease and how does it present?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disease that causes problems in brain nerve cells that control movement. It results in tremors and shaking, especially when resting. These clients also have nightmares, extra sliva, depression, and difficulty walking and performing daily tasks such as buttoning a shirt.

How does it present?

The presentation of symptoms varies greatly between individuals diagnosed and no two people will be affected in the same way. The three symptoms used for diagnostic purposes are:

1. Tremor, (shaking, trembling) is the most well known symptom of PD, but is absent in one third of people when the condition is first diagnosed. Tremor usually begins in one hand and the spreads to the leg, before crossing to the other side. It may also be felt internally. Typically it is most noticeable at rest and when stressed or tired and disappears during movement and when asleep. 

2. Rigidity or stiffness of the muscles is a very common early sign of PD whereby the muscles seem unable to relax and are tight, even at rest. You might feel that your muscles will not do what you want them to do. Rigidity may be experienced through the entire range of movement of a joint (called 'lead pipe rigidity') or just in parts (called 'cog-wheel rigidity).

3. Bradykinesia (slowness of movement) occurs because the brain is not able to control smooth and delicate movements. 

o Leads to a lack of spontaneous activity eg. Arm swing diminishes.

o Fine motor coordination is reduced eg. Handwriting becomes smaller.

o May lead to freezing or periods of immobility.

In some patients include pain and discomfort in an arm or leg, anxiety and depression, slowness of thinking and memory problems and tiredness and disturbed sleep. Constipation is common and bladder problems, especially a tendency to pass water more frequently and with more urgency, may occur. Sexual difficulties may trouble some people. Speech and swallowing problems tend to become more of a problem later in the illness.

4. What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and how does it present?

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease affecting the nervous system. Some nerves have a protective sheath around them called myelin. Destruction of this myelin causes interference and problems with the contuction of nerve signals resutling in an array of problems. Some of these include vision problems, memory issues, fatigue, muscle weakness, dizziness, tremors, toruble with coordination and balance, and loss of bowel or bladder control.

How is it presented?

Multiple sclerosis may be single or multiple and may range from mild to severe in intensity and short to long in duration. Complete or partial remission from symptoms occurs early in about 70% of individuals with multiple sclerosis.

• Visual disturbances may be the first symptoms of multiple sclerosis, but they usually subside. A person may notice a patch of blurred vision, red-to-orange or red-to-gray distortions (color desaturation), or monocular visual loss (loss of vision in one eye). Visual symptoms due to optic nerve inflammation (optic neuritis in multiple sclerosis usually are accompanied or preceded by eye pain.

• Limb weakness with or without difficulties with coordination and balance may occur early.

• Muscle spasms, fatigue, numbness, and prickling pain are common symptoms.

• There may be a loss of sensation, speech impediment (typically a problem articulating words), tremors, or dizziness.

Fifty-percent of people experience mental changes such as:

• decreased concentration,

• attention deficits,

• some degree of memory loss,

• inability to perform sequential tasks, or

• impairment in judgment.

Other symptoms may include:

• Desoression,

• Manic depression

• paranoia, or

• an uncontrollable urge to laugh and weep.

5. What lifestyle changes might you suggest for someone with:

a) A history of stroke?

b) Epilepsy?

c) Severe muscle wasting post immobilisation?

A) Stroke

If You Smoke, Quit as research has shown that smoking is a high risk for stroke and heart attack.

Eat a Healthful Diet -A diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables will help lower cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and body weight-three stroke risk factors.

Exercise regularly- To reduce the risk of stroke, you need to keep fit and maintain a healthy weight by exercising at least 30 minutes a day. Before starting an exercise program you should consult your doctor on how to exercise safely.

Lose Weight, If You Are Overweight or Obese-Being overweight or obese is associated with higher risk of stroke, and losing weight lowers that risk. To lose weight, consume fewer calories than you expend. To maintain a healthy weight, eat an equal number of calories as you expend.

Drink Alcohol Only in Moderation-Excessive alcohol intake raises your risk of stroke, but it appears that moderate alcohol intake actually reduces the risk. Studies suggest that one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men can be beneficial to the cardiovascular system. Experts agree that if you do not already drink alcohol, you don't need to start because of this recommendation. If you do drink alcohol, talk with your health care provider to determine how much is healthy for you.

Manage Blood Sugar if You Have Diabetes-If you have diabetes you are at increased risk of vascular disease. The tighter you control your blood sugar levels, the slower vascular disease (and other complications) will advance. Work with your doctor and a registered dietitian to develop a diet and exercise plan that will help you control your blood sugar.

B) Epilepsy

Lifestyle Changes

The best preventive measure is to comply strictly with the drug regimen as prescribed. Seizures cannot be prevented by lifestyle changes alone, but people can make behavioral changes that improve their lives and give them a sense of control.

EMOTIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGIC SUPPORT

Many patients with epilepsy and parents whose children have epilepsy can benefit from support associations. These services are usually free and available in most cities.

Tips for Helping Children. Some of the following tips may help the child with epilepsy:

• Children should be treated as normally as possible by parents and siblings.

• Children should be assured that they will not die from epilepsy.

• Often children can be given the hope that they will outgrow the disorder.

• Most children will not have seizures triggered by sports or by any other ordinary activities that are enjoyable and healthy.

• As soon as they are old enough, children should be active participants in maintaining their drug regimens, which should be presented in as positive a light as possible.

Therapies for Children and Adults. Because of the risks for serious emotional consequences, psychological therapy may be helpful. Cognitive behavioral therapy offers a structured counseling program that helps people change behaviors associated with seizure triggers, such as anxiety and insomnia.

DIETARY MEASURES-All patients should maintain a healthy diet, including plenty of whole grains, fresh vegetables, and fruits. In addition, dairy foods may be important to maintain calcium levels. Fasting has been used to prevent seizures since ancient times. In the 1920s, a high-fat, no-sugar, low protein diet, known as a ketogenic diet, was used to prevent seizures. Researchers are investigating whether the Atkins diet (high protein, low carbohydrate) may help people with epilepsy. Both the ketogenic diet and the Atkins diet can interfere with some anti-epileptic medications such as topiramate. Talk to your doctor before beginning any special diet or a weight loss program.

EXERCISE-Exercise is important for many aspects of epilepsy, although it can be problematic. Weight-bearing exercise helps maintain bone density, which can be reduced by many of the medications, particularly the older ones. Exercise can also help to prevent weight gain, which is a problem with some drugs. There have been some reports that exercise may trigger seizures in some patients, but this is uncommon. A number of studies have found no significant association between physical activity and a higher incidence of seizures in patients with epilepsy. Nevertheless, if patients are concerned they should discuss this issue with their doctors.

Some small studies have reported significant benefits from the practice of yoga, which employs weight bearing and balancing postures. Well-controlled studies are needed to confirm these benefits.

RELAXATION TECHNIQUES -Relaxation methods include deep breathing, biofeedback, and meditation techniques. No strong evidence supports their value on reducing seizures (although some people benefit), but they may be helpful in reducing anxiety in some patients.

AVOIDING EPILEPTIC TRIGGERS -In most cases, there is no known cause for epileptic seizures, but specific events or conditions may trigger them and should be avoided.

Inadequate or Fragmented Sleep. Inadequate or fragmented sleep can set off seizures in many people. Using sleep hygiene or other methods to improve sleep may be helpful.

Food Allergies. Food allergies may provoke seizures in children who also have migraine headaches, hyperactive behavior, and abdominal pains. Parents should consult an allergist if they suspect foods or additives might be playing a role in such cases.

Alcohol and Smoking. Alcohol and smoking should be avoided, although light alcohol consumption does not appear to increase seizure activity in people who are not alcohol dependent or sensitive to alcohol.

Flashing Lights. Patients should avoid exposure to flashing or strobe lights. Video games have been known to trigger seizures in people with existing epilepsy, but apparently only if they are already sensitive to flashing lights. Seizures have been reported in Japan among people who watched cartoons with rapidly fluctuating colors and quick flashes. The frequency of flashes per second is measured in hertz (Hz). Screens that emit a lower hertz (such as 50 Hz) are more likely to cause seizures in people with epilepsy than a higher-hertz screen (such as 100 Hz or higher).

C) Severe muscle wasting post immobilisation

Muscle atrophy is the wasting away of your muscle mass. Atrophy can occur for a variety of reasons -- such as injury or muscular dystrophy. The ability to move your limbs and function properly may be compromised with muscle atrophy, although many individuals have learned to compensate for this lack of muscle. Your doctor may recommend an exercise program to help increase your muscle mass.

Disuse Atrophy -If you do not use your muscles, you will eventually experience muscle loss. Disuse atrophy occurs as the result of a lack of physical exercise. Individuals with sedentary jobs, medical conditions and injuries most commonly experience disuse atrophy. If you are bedridden for an extended period you also may experience disuse atrophy. Astronauts may experience this type of atrophy as the result of weightlessness. The lack of gravity can decrease calcium levels in bones as well as decrease muscle tone within a few days.

Neurogenic Atrophy-Neurogenic atrophy stems from an injury or disease of the nerves. The onset of neurogenic atrophy tends to be sudden. Individuals who have contracted polio, sclerosis or Guillain-Barre syndrome are likely to experience neurogenic atrophy. Neurogenic atrophy is generally not reversible.

Causes- Muscle atrophy can be the result of aging and a number of other ailments. Lou Gehrig's disease, burn trauma, orthopedic injury, long-term immobilization, long-term treatment with cortocosteroid therapy, diabetic neuropathy, osteoarthritis, spinal cord injuries, muscle dystrophy, starvation stroke and rheumatoid arthritis all can cause muscle atrophy.

Treatment- If you experience sudden or long-term muscle atrophy, it is best to consult your physician. Disuse atrophy can be treated with vigorous exercise to help regain strength and muscle mass in the affected area of your body. For individuals with neurogenic atrophy, physical therapy may be recommended -- including pool therapy -- to help increase your muscle mass. When muscle atrophy is the result of a nerve disease, treatment may be long term. If you have trouble moving your joints, your doctor of physical therapist may suggest the use of a brace or splint to help enable your ability to exercise.

Atrophy is when a body part or tissue becomes smaller or degenerates. Cerebral atrophy, for example, affects the brain and involves a loss of nerve cells related to diseases like multiple sclerosis. The most known type of atrophy is muscle atrophy, which may occur from muscle disuse. An exercise program can improve muscle atrophy and help to reverse the condition.

Muscle Atrophy

Muscle atrophy can be caused by medical conditions that leave a person bedridden or unable to function at an activity level that maintains muscle. It can also be caused by sedentary jobs or lifestyles that limit muscle use. For example, astronauts can develop muscle atrophy after just a few days of weightlessness. To treat this type of atrophy, doctors may recommend a supervised exercise program to build muscle. Exercises can be done with assistance from a therapist or caregiver if necessary.

Neurogenic Atrophy

Neurogenic atrophy is a more severe form of muscle atrophy. Neurogenic atrophy may occur suddenly and results from an injury to or disease of the nerve. Some diseases that affect nerves include multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis --- Lou Gehrig's disease --- Guillain-Barre syndrome and polio. Unlike muscle atrophy, neurogenic atrophy can't usually be reversed with exercise as there is actual damage to the nerve. Some types of therapy help with atrophy, such as Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation causing involuntary muscle contractions.

Exercise Types

Several types of exercises can be done to benefit a person with muscle atrophy. Passive exercises are done for a person by a therapist or caregiver if a person cannot do exercises himself. Passive exercises don't strengthen or build muscles, as there is no voluntary action, but they help with flexibility and joint movement. Active exercises do strengthen muscles and are necessary to preserve muscle mass. A water aerobics program is beneficial because water is supportive and you are exercising muscles. Resistive exercises are active exercises that involve pulling or pushing against a force, like when lifting light weights. Isometric exercises involve contracting and relaxing a muscle to improve strength while the body part is in a fixed position. An example of an isometric exercise is resisting an opposing force while resting your arm or leg on a surface. Exercise programs should be medically supervised by a therapist or doctor.

Other Types of Atrophy and Exercise

Muscle atrophy is the most well-known type of atrophy to be positively affected with exercise. However, numerous ongoing studies demonstrates that exercise benefits other types of atrophy. For example, Jeffrey Burns, M.D., the director of the Alzheimer and Memory Program at the University of Kansas Medical Center, communicated information about exercise and brain growth in Alzheimer's patients. Burns indicated that the section of the brain involved with memory grew in size in patients who took regular brisk walks for exercise for a year. Talk to your doctor about the latest research proving how exercise may benefit certain types of atrophy.

6. What role does the nervous system play in muscle contractions?

The Nervous system has three major functions; to monitor the sensory input (the information and changes occouring inside and outside the human body); to integate and interpret the information to dicide what to do with the sensory input; and to elicit a motor output (a response to the senory input). Problems can arise in any of those processes. Human movement is regulated and controlled by the nerovus system, namely the brain and spinal cord. Internal and external stimuli cause the central nervous system to sort and decode any information, which is then transmitted via the nerves in the peripheral nervous system to the skeletal muscle. This causes conscious awareness of body movements. However, some movements can occur with out conscious thought, such as cardiac (heart) muscle contracts and joint reflexes.

7. What changes occur in the nervous system as a result of resistance training?

Alterations in the nervous system firing pattern can occur as a result of training. Motor unit recruitment and the firing pattern to muscle change with training. Much of the initial improvements that occurs from strength training can probably be explained by inprovements in the firing pattern of nerves. Light exercise stimulates the recruitment of slow-twitch fibres while the larger forces invouled in weight training recuit faster -twitch fibres.

8. Explain the stretch reflex and the proprioceptors involved?

Muscle spindles are responsible for initiating the stretch reflex. Golgi tendon organs are proprioceptors found within tendons near the point where the tendon meets muscle. Golgi tendon organs respond to tension when the muscle shortness or streches passively. Golgi tendon organs are responsible for initiating the inverse stretch.

9. Explain the inverse stretch reflex and the proprioceptors involved?

The stretch reflex is initiated constantly during the day. Muscle spinsles are used to direct, respond to and modulate changes in muscle fibre length. The muscle spindle will fire off if the muscle is being stretched too rapidly, and this causes the muscle to contract. Postural muscles are always receiving nervous system information in regards to their length, allowing posture to be corrected quickly when disturbed- such as if you trip on a rock. They work constantly to counteract the force of gravity in the upright position. The stretch reflex may be initiated in ballistic or bouncy-type stretches and so this type of stretching is not recommended for genral population.

The inverse stretch reflex is initiated by excessive tension causing the Golgi tendon organs to fire off a message to the spinal cord. In this situation the sorting of information that goes on in the spianl cord causes an inhibition of the muscle involved, causing it to relax. This reflex is thought of as a protective mechanism that tires to minimise the impact of or stop excessive loads that may cause injury.

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download