“Physical inactivity is a fast-growing public health problem and contributes to a variety of chronic diseases and health complications, including obesity, diabetes and cancer. In addition to improving a patient’s overall health, increasing physical activity has proven effective in the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases. Even with all the benefits of physical activity…levels of inactivity are alarming. We are facing what is now referred to as an 'inactivity epidemic,' with tremendous costs" (Exercise is Medicine®, American College of Sports Medicine, 2015).

This module provides you with an understanding of the positive effects of physical activity, both on health and with respect to the development of non-communicable diseases worldwide. In addition, you will learn about fundamental concepts in sports medicine and become familiar with general recommendations for physical activity, including the essential components of an exercise prescription.

It is important to correctly perform a physical activity health screening.  This module gives you the chance to practice this screening with your patient and, by the end of this module, you will confidently evaluate and write an exercise prescription for your patient. Furthermore, you will be able to motivate your patients to exercise.

Furthermore, through self-examination of your own personal exercise, you will be better equipped to motivate your patients to exercise. As the above-referenced fact sheet (ACSM, 2015) notes, “40% of U.S. primary care doctors and 36% of U.S. medical students do not meet 2008 federal physical activity guidelines. Physically inactive doctors are less likely to provide exercise counseling to patients and provide less credible role models for the adoption of healthy behaviors.”

Upon completion of this module, students should be able to perform the following:

• Describe the relationship between physical activity and health
• Describe the global physical activity guidelines recommended by the WHO
• Describe the major evidence for the physical activity components (aerobic, strength, flexibility, and balance)
• Develop an exercise prescription
• Evaluate a patient prior to the initiation of physical activity
• Motivate patients to increase their physical activity