The University of Worcester ‘Wellbeing Centre’ A Developing ‘Vision’ Haydn Jarrett Institute of Sport and Exercise Science

Physical Activity in a Healthy Lifestyle  Healthy lifestyles promote good health and long productive lives.  Being physically active is a key component of a healthy lifestyle.  Physical Activity and Exercise have repeatedly been shown to be related to; longer lives, free from ill health longer lives, free from ill health higher quality of life higher quality of life better recovery from illness better recovery from illness

PA can Help us Avoid ill Health  Inverse relationship between PA and cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, obesity, colon cancer, breast cancer, anxiety, depression, risk of falls etc.  A dose-response relationship also established with many of these.  At least 36 epidemiological studies on PA and prevention of prostate cancer are available. Promising but conflicting results as yet.

How about rehabilitation?  Many long term conditions and risk factors can be treated with lifestyle modification (obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol etc)  Classically, Cardiac Rehabilitation has been shown to increase life expectancy and functional capacity after a heart condition or heart attack.  Cardiac Rehabilitation is well embedded into healthcare provision in most countries..including here in Worcester.

Cancer Rehabilitation?  Research into role of exercise in cancer rehabilitation is relatively recent.  Since c2000 many studies on cancer survivors at various stages of the experience (during treatment to long term survivors)  Much evidence now showing increases in QOL, functional capacity, flexibility, strength, fat free mass and decreases in negative mood, fatigue and body fat.  Segal et.al.(2003) study with 155 prostate cancer survivors showed QOL and upper and lower body strength and fatigue.  CR and resistance training is best for prostate survivors  National Association for Cancer Exercise Rehabilitation (NACER)

The Opportunity  £2.5 million Wellbeing Centre in the Castle Street, City Centre.  Three physical spaces/areas: 1. Entrance/Reception and Health Cafe 2. Clinical/treatment/consultancy area 3. Exercise/physical rehabilitation area  ISES/IHS will staff it with academic and professional staff with expertise in PA/Exercise, health nutrition, counselling, relaxation, massage, supported by students learning their trade.  We are looking to offer it as a caring and safe lifestyle development venue for people with LTCs and are sometimes excluded from normal ‘gyms’. Already have cardiac rehabilitation developing and looking for other interested groups.

The Vision  Pilot a bespoke programme of support for Prostate Cancer Survivors.  Refinement and roll out of the programme if successful.  Similar programme for Breast Cancer Survivors?  Development of a ‘living after cancer’ centre?

Contact Details Haydn Jarrett Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Worcester Henwick Grove WR6 2AJ