Endurance
Endurance is the ability to perform repeated physical activities or a sustained task such as stair climbing or walking. There are two types of endurance: muscular and total body. Muscular endurance is increased with exercises that are performed against mild resistance with high number of repetitions. Total body endurance is improved with aerobic exercise that is performed for 15 to 45 minutes or more. An effective endurance program is dependent on the intensity, duration, and frequency of the program. An aerobic exercise program consists of a warm-up phase, an exercise phase, and a cool-down phase. The goals of an endurance program depend on a patient’s initial level of fitness and the patient’s specific needs. A general goal is to decrease or reverse the deconditioning effects of a patient’s injury or illness and improve a patient’s overall level of daily functioning.