Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)

Regular physical activity is fun and healthy, and increasingly more people are starting to
become more active every day. Being more active is very safe for most people. However,
some people should check with their doctor before they start becoming much more physically
active.

If you are planning to be more active than you are now, start by answering the seven
questions in the box below. If you are between the ages of 15 and 69, the PAR-Q will tell you
if you should check with your doctor before you start. If you are over 69 years of age, and you
are not used to being very active, check with your doctor.

ARE YOU SPORTS SAFE?

Common Sense is your best guide when you answer these questions. Please read the
questions carefully and answer each one honestly: check YES or NO

No. QUESTIONS YES NO

1 Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart condition
and that you should only do physical activities only
recommended by a doctor?
2 Do you feel pain in your chest when you do physical
activity?
3 In the past month, have you had chest pains when you
were not doing physical activity?
4 Do you lose your balance because of dizziness or
do you ever lose consciousness?
5 Do you have a bone or joint problem (for example, back,
knee or hip) that could be made worse by a change in
your physical activity?
6 Is your doctor currently prescribing drugs/medication for
your blood pressure or heart condition?
7 Do you know of any other reason why you should not do
physical activity?

Source: SportSG
Updated: 01042019
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY READINESS QUESTIONNAIRE & U
(PAR-Q & U)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

(1) What is PAR-Q?

Ans: It is physical activity readiness questionnaire for individuals to find out more about their physical ability before
engaging in any physical activity.

It takes approximately 3 minutes to fill up the questionnaire. It is an easy and convenient way to do some self-
assessment before any activity.

(2) What are the benefits of PAR-Q?

Ans: It helps an individual to assess oneself if they are fit for the activity at that particular moment.

Normally, people would run through in their mind some of these questions that assist them to assess their physical
wealth being at that moment. PAR-Q only helps to formalise such thoughts with guiding questions.

(3) Who keeps the PAR-Q?

Ans: The PAR-Q is to be kept by the individual. It is not compulsory for users to fill it up. However, PAssion WaVe
would encourage users to go through the questionnaire. The set of questions will guide the users before they
decide to participate in any activity.

(4) If I answer ‘Yes’ to any of the questions, will I be barred from entering the facility or participate in the
activity?
Ans: No. As the PAR-Q is self-voluntary and the questionnaire is to be retained by the individual, information may
not be disclosed to the staff. PAssion WaVe will not refuse entry of patrons even if they indicate that they answer
‘Yes’ to one or more of the questions.

However, the staff could advise them to consult a doctor prior to the activity. The staff can also alert their safety
personnel at the facility to keep a look out for the particular user based on the disclosed info in the PAR-Q.

(5) If I answer ‘No’ to the PAR-Q and an incident occurs during the activity, will the staff be liable?
Ans: The PAR-Q is a voluntary self-assessment and not a formal medical declaration. In this respect, staff will not
be liable for any incidents that involve participants who fail to declare pre-existing medical conditions before an
activity.

However, the staff is expected to be vigilant while on duty and need to constantly look out for patrons who may
appear to be in some difficulty during their activity.

The staff has the right to stop any users from continuing with the activity and will seek clarification from the user,
family and accompanying friends before taking the appropriate steps.

(6) Should a user go through the PAR-Q every time?

Ans: Users are encouraged to do so as physical and mental conditions vary over time and differs for different
sports.

(7) If I answer ‘Yes’ to the questions in the PAR-Q, should I stop the activity?
Ans: Yes, you should stop the activity and consult a medical doctor and seek his advice.

As it is a voluntary questionnaire, the user could still take part in the activity at their own discretion.

(8) Is the PAR-Q a medical form from the hospital or medical association?
Ans: No, it is not. It is a widely used voluntary self-assessment of one’s physical condition.

(9) I notice there is an age limit to the usage of the PAR-Q, what if I fall out of the age range?
Ans: The PAR-Q is designed for people aged 15 to 69 years old.

Should you fall below 15 years old, a caregiver should provide the appropriate advice.
If you are above 69 years old, you should consult your doctor and seek the necessary advice and clearance before
participating in any form of exercise and activity.

Source: SportSG
Updated: 01042019