2024-05-06 12:16:00
Martine Duclos © E. Begouen Inserm
Each month, a personality from the medical, political, sporting or cultural world tells us regarding their connection to hydrotherapy. In May, it is Martine Duclos, professor and head of the department of sports medicine and functional research at Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital.
For this president of the scientific committee of Onaps (National Observatory of Physical Activity and Sedentary Lifestyle) and scientific advisor to the Ministry responsible for sports, it is necessary to make the benefits of physical activity known to as many people as possible. And especially those of adapted physical activity (APA) offered in thermal establishments from the perspective of rehabilitation and health prevention. To do this, she increases her interventions with the media and the public and her contributions to recognized medical journals. Encounter.
L’Officiel du Thermalisme: What is thermalism to you?
It is a holistic treatment that uses the properties of thermal water in a personal treatment program and in a setting that is beneficial for mental, psychological and physical rest.
When I arrived in Clermont-Ferrand, a region rich in thermal spas, some fifteen years ago, I very quickly participated in a tender from the French Association for Thermal Research (AFRETh). The aim is to study, in collaboration with 12 thermal institutions spread throughout the region, the effect of a three-week thermal treatment on lifestyle. We studied the effect of the treatment on increasing physical activity and reducing a sedentary lifestyle. We showed that these effects were maintained up to one year following treatment. These observations were very interesting and highlighted that the treatment has effects that persist over time.
The interdisciplinary and complete spa treatment is very interesting for me, who works with lifestyle among other things. A stay in a spa promotes a break with the lifestyle, which helps to implement short-term changes. What often causes the greatest problems is maintaining these lifestyle changes in the long term (adapted physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, nutrition).
What are the biggest benefits of a spa treatment?
It depends on the treatment and what you are doing it for! The biggest advantage is being cut off from your daily living environment. Thus, the treatment allows you to reduce stress and take time for yourself. This also allows you to have adequate sleep time, have a balanced diet and benefit from care for the disease(s).
In thermal places, which are most often located in magnificent locations, the surroundings are arranged for physical activities outdoors. Not to mention that the spa guest is surrounded by healthcare professionals and benefits from very important holistic care for their physical, mental and social health. I specify “social health” because long-term illnesses can sometimes isolate the patient.
What would you say to someone who doesn’t know what adapted physical activity (APA) is and asks you to explain it to them?
First of all, let’s remember that sports and physical activity should not be confused. APA is a physical activity that is adapted to the physical condition of the individual. That is, his physical capacity for endurance and strength, his state of health and his pathology(s). We start from the patient’s fitness level, take into account their possible limitations (joints, cardiovascular) and their ability to improve. In fact, all patients are capable of progressing. It is therefore monitored, individualized, progressive and developing. The patient is first seen by the doctor (general practitioner or specialist), then the APA program is carried out by a professional with training in APA or a physiotherapist.
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What would you say to a patient suffering from rheumatic and/or heart diseases who is hesitant to do APA?
I will explain to him that in these two indications, as in all chronic diseases, APA is part of the treatment itself. In rheumatic pathologies, APA reduces pain and increases functional capacity. Similarly, in the context of cardiovascular diseases, APA reduces the risk of recurrence of the pathology and reduces risk factors. The patient will very quickly feel the benefits, both physical, psychological and social.
Sources: Exclusive interview with Martine Duclos, 16 April 2024
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