Physiotherapy at SGH Lifestyle Enhancement & Fitness Improvement (LIFE) Centre

The Lifestyle Enhancement & Fitness Improvement (LIFE) Centre is Singapore’s first hospital-based centre promoting integrated and holistic care for patients with lifestyle-related medical conditions. 

Facilities at the SGH LIFE Centre are specially customised to meet the needs of patients. It has a fully equipped gym staffed by Physiotherapists who provide individually tailored exercise program.

Exercise rehabilitation programs are available for the management of:

Osteoporosis is a bone condition that is characterised by low bone density. In Singapore, Osteoporosis is becoming an increasing public health concern. The occurrence of Osteoporosis is increasing as the population of Singapore is aging rapidly. Studies have shown that exercise training can prevent further progression of Osteoporosis, as well as help maintain bone density and prevent fractures.

Individuals diagnosed with low bone mineral density or Osteoporosis will undergo an individualised fitness assessment before being prescribed with a tailored exercise program. 

Obesity is a global public health concern. Research has shown that being overweight increases one’s risk for developing many chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cardiac diseases. Adopting a healthy lifestyle to achieve meaningful weight loss can significantly reduce one’s risk of developing these diseases.

Metabolic Syndrome refers to a cluster of several metabolic conditions such as central obesity, low levels of good cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood pressure and high fasting blood sugar. Patients with Metabolic Syndrome are predisposed to diabetes, heart attack and stroke. Contrary to common belief, individuals need not be overweight to develop Metabolic Syndrome. 

Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome are also at risk of developing fatty liver, obstructive sleep apnea and polycystic ovarian syndrome. These conditions need to be treated with aggressive dietary and exercise interventions. Studies show that a structured program is more effective in achieving weight loss and better health than standard advice to eat less and exercise more. 

Using evidence-based approaches, our Physiotherapists guide patients throughout their weight loss journey to enable a more active lifestyle and to achieve positive health benefits.

The Exercise Testing service is offered to assess the individual’s cardio-respiratory (aerobic) fitness levels and also suitability for exercise. This will enable the Physiotherapist to prescribe an effective exercise regime and also ensure safety during the exercise sessions. Resting Metabolic Rate Assessments are also available to accurately evaluate the individual’s daily caloric needs. This will then help the individual plan out a balanced diet with appropriate calories to achieve weight management goals.

These are supervised exercise sessions led by a team of Physiotherapists and Therapy Assistants who will ensure safety during exercise at the LIFE Centre Gym. A detailed fitness assessment will be conducted prior to the exercise package to determine the appropriate mode and intensity of exercises. These exercise package aims to empower patients to exercise safely in the community.

The Physiotherapist helps to develop a healthy exercise regimen for referred individuals who are at or below their healthy weight. Together with the patient, the physiotherapist will work on changing unhealthy exercise patterns to healthy ones and work on the individual fitness goals to improve physical health and psychological well-being.