Viewing Human Body from Anatomical Perspective

Evidence-Based Anatomy: The Foundation for Living Longer and Healthier

The study of anatomy is universally acknowledged as indispensable to functional lifespan and healthspan, providing comprehensive insight into both the anatomical structure and functional operations of the human organism.

Significance of Anatomical Knowledge

For medical practitioners and fitness professionals, such as doctors, surgeons, nurses, therapists, and trainers, a solid understanding of anatomy is crucial. Comprehensive knowledge facilitates accurate diagnoses and developing effective treatment plans. In its absence, it would be impractical to interpret medical imaging procedures, follow surgical protocols, or design rehabilitation programs.

Additionally, I believe that individuals who do not possess professional or specialized knowledge in this field should take a proactive approach to work alongside healthcare professionals in order to prevent deterioration of both body and mind by familiarizing themselves with evidence-based anatomical concepts, thus minimizing health risks and enhancing human performance. 

It is of paramount importance to emphasize that the anatomy research is essential for establishing a basis for effective strategies aimed at fostering a healthier and longer life. Longevity 4.0 views lifespan and healthspan from anatomical perspective and reflects my anatomy comprehensive study related to fitness and health interventions.

   The National Institutes of Health (NIH) functions under the US Department of Health and Human Services and is recognized as the foremost federal agency in the United States for conducting research in biomedical and public health fields The NIH has been at the forefront of major breakthroughs, including the Human Genome Project, advancements in mRNA vaccine technology, GFP imaging, significant reductions in U.S. mortality rates, and progress in treating cancer, rare diseases, and managing infectious diseases. 

In 2002, National Institutes of Health established the Common Fund (CF) to identify major scientific gaps throughout the research enterprise and encourage investigators to create or challenge conventional paradigms by thinking beyond traditional bounds to advance scientific knowledge and enhance human health. I have been in discussions with the Common Fund Office, and following their review, it has been confirmed that the research focused on enhancing the understanding of human body structure and functionality, supported by evidence-based anatomy, is indeed in alignment with the NIH mission and goals. They have recommended that I would consider applying for grant funding.

The call for transformative research points out that the NIH has acknowledged the necessity for a reevaluation of existing paradigms and recognizes that surpassing traditional boundaries is essential for reaching optimal outcomes associated with improving human health.  

Evidence-Based Anatomy

Traditionally, the field of anatomy has been describing the structure of the human body by descriptive approaches such as cadaver dissection, case reports, and small prevalence studies. The advent of Evidence-Based Anatomy (EBA) changes this paradigm to a quantitative, research-focused science, thereby ensuring that anatomical knowledge is not only precise but also clinically applicable.

A 2014 review in Clinical Anatomy Journal of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists (AACA)  proposed Evidence-Based Anatomy (EBA) as a framework to apply evidence-based scientific principles to anatomical research. The advent of EBA changes this paradigm to a quantitative, research-focused science, thereby ensuring that anatomical knowledge is not only precise but also clinically applicable.

AACA advocates for the integration of existing medical research, especially prevalence studies, randomized control trials (RCT), and imaging studies, to improve anatomical understanding [1].  In recent years, proponents of EBA claim that  modern anatomy has been undergoing a paradigm shift to becoming a discipline in which efficacy of fundamental concepts and evidence-based human anatomical knowledge are as important as in clinical practice for achieving positive health outcomes. Systematic reviews have become indispensable in medicine and AACA proposes that current anatomy undergo research investigation and control trials with the same rigor as evidence-based medicine studies. 

For the last 15 years, I directed my efforts to gain an in-depth understanding of the fundamental sciences related to the human body by studying human anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and biomechanics. My interest in human health was influenced by participation in high endurance sports and desire to identify approaches to prevent progressive wear and tear from physical and emotional impact caused by intensity and impact from competitive physical activities. 

I could never have imagined how curiosity would transform my understanding of the anatomy of human health, acquire extensive knowledge and build a foundation for a potentially rewarding professional career. These exploration efforts revealed new insights to my personal life dimensions including achieving exceptionally slow rate of athletic performance decline  in high-endurance events in the last 29 years.

Analysis of Current Anatomical Knowledge

According to the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) representing  more than 150 accredited schools and programs of public health, Americans are now living an average of 12.4 years in poor health. CDC statistical data indicates that chronic diseases such as (heart disease, cancer, diabetes or dementia) are widespread and rising rapidly. Reports from the U.S. Bone and Joint Initiative (USBJI), one in two Americans or 125 millions are diagnosed with a musculoskeletal pain disorder, and bodily injury incidence has been persistently growing in the last 70 years [2]. 

Current interventions aimed at addressing musculoskeletal disorders are based on knowledge accumulated over decades of traditional research and have achieved some advancements in identifying effective solutions. However, USBJI classifies current understanding incorporated into existing injury treatment protocols as inadequate to improve existing interventions and new approaches to improve musculoskeletal pain protocols have not been found yet. 

The reflection of compelling statistical evidence indicates that adverse adverse health conditions and musculoskeletal pain incidence in the United States has been persistently moving upwards without any signs of decline. This may suggest the necessity to examine modern anatomical knowledge to ascertain whether the effectiveness of current protocols is not entirely backed by evidence-based anatomy, resulting in suboptimal outcomes in the practical realm of current injury treatment methods.

Future Newsletters

Findings from my preliminary research on human anatomy, along with positive early results from client practice, have raised questions whether anatomy mainstream understanding and interventions conform to the basic anatomical knowledge associated with the key principles that govern the human body [3], [4]. 

The absence of scientifically grounded hypotheses for addressing human health problems and musculoskeletal may indicate a requirement to reassess the conventional concepts incorporated in present longevity interventions and healthspan practices, potentially leading to the discovery of critical knowledge gaps that emphasize an improper understanding of the evidence-based anatomy.

Upcoming newsletters will highlight existing health trends, analyze the advancements in addressing chronic health conditions, explore the incidence of musculoskeletal pain, including the inadequate efficacy of conventional treatments and protocols that result in subpar outcomes, and introduce a fitness and health framework supported by EBA to sustain a healthy lifespan.

References 

1. Yammine K. Evidence-Based Anatomy. Clin Anat. 2014 Sep;27(6):847-52. doi: 10.1002/ca.22397. Epub 2014 May 2. PMID: 24797314; PMCID: PMC4282349. 
2. U.S. Bone and Joint Initiative (USBOJI) Reports. The Impact of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the United States, 2015.
3. Henry Gray H., T. Pickering Pick P., Howden R. ‎Anatomy, Descriptive and Surgical, 1901 Edition,  Running Press Adult, May 22, 1974 Edition,‎ 1257 pages,‎ 978-0914294085
4. Roberts A. The Complete Human Body: The Definitive Visual Guide, 3rd Edition, DK Publishing ‎ April 11, 2023, ‎ 536 pages ISBN‎ 978-0744073676.
5. Soames RW. Anatomy and Human Movement: Structure and Function, Elsevier Publishing, 8th Edition, April 10, 2024, 776 pages, 978-0443113277 I.