Exercise prescription

Exercise prescription

Exercise is one of the most underutilized treatment option in modern healthcare which places an emphasis on medications and procedures.  The benefits of exercise have been researched and documented by many groups and agencies over the past three decades.  An exercise program that includes aerobic, resistance, flexibility, and neuromotor training is indispensable to improve and maintain physical fitness and health.  Despite this, physical inactivity has been cited as one of the greatest public health threats of the 21st century.

Exercise has been shown to:

• Benefit cardiovascular and respiratory function
• Reduce cardiovascular and respiratory function
• Decrease morbidity and mortality
• Decrease anxiety and depression
• Reduce pain
• Improve cognitive function
• Enhance physical function and independent living in older individuals
• Enhance feelings of well-being
• Reduce risk of falls in older individuals
• Prevent or mitigate functional limitations in older adults
• Enhance performance of work, recreational, and sport activities

Exercise and physical activity are often overlooked as therapeutic treatment options.  Additionally, prescribing exercise may be challenging as many patients are looking for an “easy fix.”  When appropriately utilized, exercise can be an effective long-term treatment for many conditions.