Physical activity in the treatment of stress disorders of the musculo-skeletal system.

Stress disorders make up the largest group of diseases in morbidity statistics. These disorders may be defined as morbid changes in the muscles, tendons, joints and vertebral column, arising as the result of malfunction or over-function, i.e. stresses which with time or through intensity exceed the limit for the strength of the tissues. The disorders are caused by physical and/or psycho-social circumstances. In treating the different forms of stress disorders, physical activity has been utilised with good results. Training is believed to work both through its favourable effect on the function and physical strength of the various tissues and through its general capacity for relaxing the musculature.