Exercise Prescription

Physical inactivity is a major public health problem worldwide, leading to an increase in prevalence of lifestyle diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Promotion of physical activity should be a priority in every healthcare encounter as part of the preventive and/or treatment strategies of disease. A physically active lifestyle has been associated with better quality of life and multiple health-related benefits in the pediatric and adult population. The following recommendations are general guidelines for exercise prescription and should be further individualize according to the patient level of function, goals, and medical and musculoskeletal conditions. Safety during exercise is a priority. Adults should have at least 150–300 min per week of moderate-intensity, or 75–150 min per week of vigorous-intensity, aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of both. In addition to aerobic activity, adults should engage in muscle strengthening and flexibility activities involving all major muscle groups on 2 or more days per week. Special considerations must be considered in the inactive individual and those with pre-morbidities like cardiovascular disease, obesity, cancer, and osteoarthritis.