NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY,INC

Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

Physiologic Aspects of Physical Fitness

Decreased physical fitness may result from various diseases, especially when accompanied by
prolonged recumbency, or from a sedentary lifestyle. Compared with a less fit individual, a
physically fit person demonstrates the following physiologic profile:
 Higher oxygen consumption (mL/min)
 Greater cardiac output per minute
 Higher stroke volume and total blood volume
 Greater oxygen extraction by the tissues
 Greater cardiac volume
 Lower resting pulse rate
 Greater muscle strength
 Lower pulse rate on exercise
 Lower blood pressure on exercise
 Better adaptation of circulation and respiration to effort
The last 3 features above (ie, lower pulse rate and blood pressure on exercise and better
adaptation of circulation and respiration to effort) are characteristic features of improved
endurance.
Increased physical fitness is associated with a decreased incidence of hypertension and coronary
artery disease (CAD) and with an improved long-term prognosis in patients with angina pectoris
and in survivors of myocardial infarction (MI).  However, the duration, frequency, intensity, and
type of therapeutic exercise that bring about these beneficial effects have not been established.
Debate continues as to whether a better cardiac status allows for a higher level of physical
activity and, consequently, better physical fitness, or vice versa.

Medical Evaluation
Before a patient begins physical fitness training or other strenuous therapeutic training, he/she
should undergo a medical evaluation by a physician, including a comprehensive medical history,
a thorough physical examination, and an adequate laboratory screening. In cases involving
cardiac conditions, it is important to exclude patients with valvular heart disease, ventricular
hypertrophy, dangerous arrhythmias, and malignant hypertension.

Other cardiac cases, older and/or ill patients, and other patients at risk, such as those with
exercise-induced asthma, hemoglobinopathies, diabetes, or obesity, should have an exercise

PE 102B – PE with a Special Purpose

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 NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY,INC
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

stress test carried out under careful medical supervision. This test should include pulse and blood
pressure monitoring and the administration of an electrocardiogram (ECG), prior to exercise.
These individuals require especially close monitoring if they are included in any exercise
program. Patients with musculoskeletal problems need an evaluation by a physical therapist
before beginning an exercise regimen.

PE 102B – PE with a Special Purpose

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