Although many studies suggest that exercise provides

various health benefits, the optimal dimensions of exercise

(ie, frequency, intensity, duration, type) remain to be
carefully defined. Research encompasses many areas, from
activities of daily living to elite athletic performance. To
properly prescribe a beneficial exercise program, a physician
must have a basic understanding of the elements of exercise
physiology and energy metabolism, as well as of the
cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal responses
to exercise and training. Also, integration of specific
programs for muscle strengthening with aerobic
conditioning is important to achieve optimal results in
patients with musculoskeletal conditions such as
osteoarthritis and osteoporosis
• Principles of Exercise PrescriptionPurposes of
Exercise Prescription:1) Enhance physical fitness2)
Decrease disease3) Ensure safetyduring
participation in exerciseExercise Prescription:
regimen of physical activity designed to reach
SMARTgoals
inasystematicandindividualizedmanner.Componen
ts of Exercise Prescription (FITT
Principle):1)Frequency- How often should you
exercise?2)Intensity- How hard should you
exercise?3)Time- How long should you exercise
for?4)Type- What kind of activities should you do?
• exercise prescription
• An exercise schedule usually intended to increase
the physical fitness of a previously sedentary
individual who has recently had a serious illness
such as myocardial infarction, or who is physically
fit and wants to know the amount, frequency,
and kind of exercise necessary to maintain
fitness. The prescription is individualized, taking
into account the person's age, the availability of
facilities and adequate supervision, and health,
particularly if the person has had chronic
diseases of the heart or lungs
Background
Exercise prescription
commonly refers to the
specific plan of fitness-
related activities that are
designed for a specified
purpose, which is often
developed by a fitness or
rehabilitation specialist
for the client or patient.
Due to the specific and
unique needs and
interests of the
client/patient, the goal
of exercise prescription
should be successful
integration of exercise
principles and behavioral
techniques that
motivates the participant
to be compliant, thus
achieving their goals.
exercise?2)Intensity- How hard should you
exercise?3)Time- How long should you exercise
for?4)Type- What kind of activities should you
do?FitnessBenefits•Increased cardio-
respiratory fitness•Increased
strength•Increased muscular
endurance•Increased flexibility•Improvements
in body compositionPhysical
HealthBenefits•Increased life
expectancy•Decreased risk of cardiovascular
disease, stroke, and certain types of
cancer(breast, colon, prostate), type II
diabetes, osteoporosis•Improved cardiac
function and blood pressure•Improved blood
lipids•Improved ability to deliver oxygen to
tissues•Improved posture and body
mechanics•Decreased risk of injury•Reduced
risk for lower back pain•Quicker recovery from
illness and injuryMental HealthBenefits•Relief
of tension and stress•Improved sleeping
habits•Increased energy levels and resistance
to mental fatigue•Improved self-
image•Improved quality of life•Improved
cognitive function•Decreased risk of
Alzheimer's and Parkinson'sSetting