Effects of sympathetic and parasympathetic functions

Parasympathetic                                                                    Sympathetic

Pupils – tight                                                                                Pupils -wide

Bronchials – tight                                                                        Bronchials – wide

Heartbeat – Slow                                                                         Heartbeat – rapid

Gall bladder – secretes fluids                                                   Gall bladder – fills with fluid

Stomach                                                                                        Stomach

Digestive processes active                                                         Digestive processes at rest

(takes place in the intestines)                                                   Intestines

Bladder urge/release of fluid                                                    Bladder fills up

(http://www.gie-wasseraktivierung.de/rundgang/nervensystem.htm)

Human movements of the skeletal complex are executed exclusively by striated muscles (skeletal muscles) and initiated, controlled and coordinated by the nervous system. Once environmental stimuli are picked up by different sensory organs, they are transported to the CNS over the afferent (sensory) nerve pathways created by the stimulus. At this point, the stimulus is processed and converted onto the efferent (motor) nerve pathways, thus stimulating the target organ (muscle), at which point a movement is initiated and carried out. In simple terms, the CNS receives a message, then tells the muscles to move.

These messages can be reactions to external stimuli (pain, fear, curiosity) or be initiated directly by a command from the brain.

Every movement of the skeletal system, from the most simple movement sequences to the most complex athletic maneuvers, is caused by changes in the length and strength of the skeletal musculature. As a part of any contraction sequence, numerous muscles must operate in time and space in concert with one another.

Motility vs Mobility

Motility is the body’s ability to move independently, using metabolic energy. For instance, muscles provide the human body with motility. Mobility is the ability of an object to be moved. Directed motility refers to actions that are perceived as movements. A voluntary, controlled movement such as drumming is directed motility.

In this, the CNS has the following tasks:

• Formation and relay of action potentials (electrical stimuli)
• Coordination of motor sequences in time and space
• Control of muscular activity by processing and interpreting feedback from the muscles

(cf. De Marées, 2003)

Strength training and health 

In the absence of physical training, people will lose approximately 40% of their muscle mass between the ages of 20-70. This exerts a negative influence on the postural and musculoskeletal systems, as well as on internal physiological structures. Strength training helps prevent this loss of muscle mass, while providing myriad health and performance benefits.

Advantages of Regular Strength Training

Preventive:

• Maintenance and improvement of performance of passive and active musculoskeletal system
• Reduced risk of common injuries and attrition
• Prevention of back complaints, osteoporosis, postural damages, arthritis, muscle imbalances and other disorders of the musculoskeletal system
• Compensates for loss of strength due to aging and aids in the maintenance of autonomy during the aging process
• Benefits cardiac health

Body sculpting:

• Builds muscle mass
• Strengthens/tightens connective tissue
• Reduces body fat and aids in weight loss

Mental and Emotional:

• Improved self-awareness and self-confidence
• Improved body awareness
• Improved sense of well-being

(cf. Buskies, 1999)