[Pre-participation screening of individuals engaging in noncompetitive physical activity]

Abstract

There is accumulating data suggesting that physical activity is associated with reduced total mortality, sudden cardiac death, reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, colon and breast cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cognitive decline, dementia and depression. In addition, physical activity increases work productivity and well-being. Despite these health benefits, only approximately 30% of Israelis engage in regular physical activity. In Israel, the Physical Fitness Law requires a medical clearance prior to participation in physical activity in the gym. However, the medical community does not have written recommendations as to what type of examinations one should undergo. This paper was written following a request by the National Committee for the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases, Israeli Ministry of Health, joined by the Israeli Heart Society to write new recommendations for the primary health care physician on the medical screening needed prior to the participation in a non-competitive physical activity among healthy Israelis. It includes a self report physical activity readiness questionnaire (PAR-Q), medical examinations, and exercise stress test. Since moderate types of physical activity performed under supervised conditions in a health/fitness facilities are safe, the recommendations for most individuals would be to complete the PAR-Q questionnaire with no further medical examinations. The position of the authors in the current article is similar to that approved by the National Committee for the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases and the Israeli Heart Society and as was published by the Israel Medical Association.