Movement is the most natural thing in the world for healthy people. Yet few people think about how much power every movement, no matter how small, demands from the body and how many muscles are already being used for a change of facial expression or a finger deed. Only when the possibility of body movement is limited by accident or illness do many learn to consciously appreciate it.
What is body movement?
The task of body movement is, for example, to move the organism from one point to another on the one hand, and to determine gestures and facial expressions on the other. There are different types of body movement. These include, on the one hand, locomotion per se – that is, movement in space from one point to another – and physical activity, which includes all activities that result in energy consumption. Other classification possibilities include active movement or self-movement, passive or communicated movement and mixed movements. The former refers to the movements triggered by one’s own strength and muscles. The passive movement is conditioned by means of locomotion in which the person himself does not apply any force – for example, cradling, being carried or riding on a sled. Mixed movements include, for example, horseback riding. Locomotion is also called locomotion and mainly concerns active movement, which results in a change of the starting point. Motor activity, on the other hand, refers to a person’s ability to move. Forms of locomotion are generally walking, running, swimming, crawling, climbing or shimmying. Locomotion is primarily dealt with in bionics, while human physical activity is dealt with in kinesics.
Function and task
Body movement is one of the basic behaviors of humans and animals. Its task is, on the one hand, to transport the organism from one point to another and, on the other hand, to determine gestures and facial expressions. Muscle movements in the face and gesticulation play an important role in socialization and interpersonal relationships. But also animals communicate via body language, which is conditioned by movements. In earlier times, movement played a crucial role in human survival. Movement was necessary to obtain food or to flee from attackers and dangers. Those who could not do this were generally not viable. This concept is still preserved in the animal world today. With human evolution, this concept has changed. Today, movement is not necessarily required to survive. Sick, bedridden people can still survive with the help of others. Nevertheless, this makes them dependent on others. This also applies, for example, to people with severe physical disabilities. Today, however, life can mostly be lived without heavy physical exertion. Nevertheless, movement is anchored in the genetic makeup of the human being. Thus, the organism only functions properly when a certain amount of energy is converted. Only in this way can the efficiency of the body be maintained. Again and again, physical activity is preached by physicians, since movement is healthy and has a positive effect on the organism. Thus, to this day, exercise has the function of protecting against danger and keeping the circulation going. In winter, the normal body temperature can be maintained and the body can be protected from frostbite. When people are active, they need more energy. Conversely, this requires a higher energy supply through food. In this way, an inner balance is established. Energy is consumed through exercise, which is why the body often reacts with hunger or thirst afterwards. Depending on the type of performance to be achieved, the body must be supplied with a different amount of energy. The average recommended amount of exercise depends on age. Especially in modern society, it is important to compensate for a lack of exercise. This is triggered by means of transport, television, office workplaces and the technical age itself. Sport is therefore particularly important to maintain health and prevent physical complaints.
Diseases and ailments
Various illnesses do not allow sufferers to perform certain movements. Others even cause a total inability to move. For example, accidents or strokes, as well as a number of medical conditions, can bind a person to a wheelchair.Paraplegia can occur, either severely limiting or completely preventing movement. Problems caused by disease, heredity or accidents can also restrict movement. Malpositions of the bones or cartilage are just as much a part of this as bone or muscle diseases. The causes can be manifold. Such restrictions are particularly problematic if they lead to water retention or muscle degeneration. People who have been bedridden or in a coma for a long time often have to completely relearn movement, especially walking. In addition, there is a lack of energy balance in the body. This can lead to obesity and associated complaints such as heart, circulatory or liver disease. In most cases, obesity is caused by poor nutrition and lack of exercise. Osteoarthritis, herniated discs and similar diseases also severely restrict body movement. On the other hand, there are various diseases which can lead to uncontrolled movements. These include, for example, epilepsy or various nerve diseases.
