FIBO mobilizes against lack of exercise

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The fusion of the fitness and health industry is progressing. FIBO in Cologne from 13 to 16 April demonstrates what contribution the two boom sectors can make in their interplay.

Under the motto “for a strong and healthy society”, the world's most important trade fair for fitness, wellness and health is expanding its range for medical professional groups and institutions such as doctors and clinics. Together with “Exercise is Medicine”, EuropeActive and the European Health & Fitness Forum, the BSA Academy and the German College for Prevention & Health, associations, sports doctors and trade media, FIBO is substantially developing the already existing trend of health-oriented fitness training. 

“A new thrust is currently emerging that opens up new highly exciting opportunities for patients, but also for the fitness industry and the health sector”, explains FIBO Director Silke Frank. She observes an increasing awareness that exercise can actually be medicine: “The motivation to seriously and soundly implement exercise in medical treatment – i. e. outside sports medicine, rehabilitation and prevention – is growing.” 

This is a success that is being publicized internationally by research and initiatives. Studies show that measures to increase physical activity in the population urgently need to be expanded. [1] Because: the clear recommendations of the World Health Organization WHO [2] are only insufficiently implemented by doctors and patients. The proportion of patients who are regularly physically active is still alarmingly low [3] – as is the proportion of doctors who prescribe physical exercise that is beneficial to health.

“Several data show that exercise is underestimated by doctors and only between five and ten percent of patients are asked by their doctor about physical activity in their life and activity,” Professor Steinacker, Chairman of Exercise is Medicine, digs out.  The specialist for internal medicine and cardiology, sports medicine and rehabilitation, as well as medical director of sports and rehabilitation medicine Ulm demands: “We have to emphasize that this is an important topic in the whole field of medicine.” 

The “European Initiative for Exercise in Medicine e.V.” as well as “Exercise is Medicine Deutschland e.V.” together with EuropeActive and the German Society for Sport and Prevention (DGSP) want to campaign for more physical activity in the population at FIBO. To this end, they invite you to the second “Exercise is Medicine Day” on 14 April at the “Meeting point Health” in Hall 8.

FIBO Product Manager Anke Brendt reveals what the focus of the practice- and application-oriented specialist programme will be: “Studio operators, physiotherapists and sports physicians in particular can look forward to well-founded, scientific findings that they can implement directly in their professional practice.” In particular, the “Exercise is Medicine” chairmen Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Bloch, Prof. Dr. Jürgen Steinacker and Dr. Thomas Schramm, among others, will be addressing the topics of “Active Cities”, “Exercise in Old Age” and “Long Covid”.

Sources

1. Guthold, R., et al. Global trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1-9 million participants. Lancet Glob Health, 2018. 6(10): 1077-1086. 
2. W.H.O., WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. 2020. 
3. The Lancet, COVID-19: a new lens for non-communicable diseases. The Lancet, 2020. 396(10252): p. 649.

About Exercise is Medicine

Exercise is Medicine® (EIM) is a health initiative launched in 2007 by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). It focuses on the scientific evidence of the health-promoting properties of physical activity, sport and exercise. Since 2015, the European Initiative for Exercise in Medicine e.V. (EIEIM) was founded with headquarters in Ulm, which is an independent centre as a non-profit organization for Europe and cooperates with the USA. In Germany, the national centre Exercise is Medicine® Deutschland e.V. was also founded in 2017, which aims to implement the goals of Exercise is Medicine® within Germany. www.exerciseismedicine.eu

About FIBO

FIBO pursues the vision of a strong and healthy society and as a global network makes an essential contribution to a long and fulfilling life for people. At the annual FIBO Show, therefore, all players from the fitness, wellness and health sectors come together and form the hot spot for innovations, investments and trends for an active lifestyle. Over the course of four days, FIBO offers here not only business, networking and continuing education at the top level, but also numerous exciting and impressive live experiences. The next FIBO Show will take place in Cologne from April 13-16, 2023. www.fibo.com 

About RX

RX is dedicated to creating business for individuals, communities and organizations. By combining data and digital products, RX makes 400 events in 22 countries and 43 industries more engaging. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business clients. www.rxglobal.com

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