Call to Action on Making Physical Activity Assessment and Prescription a Medical Standard of Care

Abstract

The U.S. population is plagued by physical inactivity, lack of cardiorespiratory fitness, and sedentary lifestyles, all of which are strongly associated with the emerging epidemic of chronic disease. The time is right to incorporate physical activity assessment and promotion into health care in a manner that engages clinicians and patients. In April 2015, the American College of Sports Medicine and Kaiser Permanente convened a joint consensus meeting of subject matter experts from stakeholder organizations to discuss the development and implementation of a physical activity vital sign (PAVS) to be obtained and recorded at every medical visit for every patient. This statement represents a summary of the discussion, recommendations, and next steps developed during the consensus meeting. Foremost, it is a "call to action" for current and future clinicians and the health care community to implement a PAVS in daily practice with every patient.

Physical Activity Promotion Tools in the Portuguese Primary Health Care: An Implementation Research

“…Firstly, there is a well-established benefit of regular PA in the prevention and treatment of many clinical conditions (especially noncommunicable diseases) and also in promoting physical and mental wellbeing [3,4]. Secondly, health care professionals are respected experts and authorities in matters related to health and are considered reliable sources of information and advice (e.g., advice on PA from medical doctors can be a strong cue to becoming more active) [5]. Finally, and most importantly, PHC staff have frequent contacts with large segments of the population, especially those with poorer health, lower socio-economic status, and/or who are older [6].…”

“…This concept recently evolved to accommodate other types of vital signs equally informative and with important effects on health outcomes (e.g., body mass index, smoking status, alcohol intake, pain level, etc.). PA assessment can provide a valuable insight into patients' health status and lead to important intervention opportunities [5]. Despite all the evidence and calls to include PA assessment and promotion in the standard of care, challenges remain on how to accomplish this in a way that engages both clinicians and patients [5].…”

Pediatrician prescriptions for outdoor physical activity among children: A pilot study

“…Physician prescriptions for PA have become more widespread in recent years, fueled by several national initiatives. Examples include the “Exercise is Medicine” campaign which focuses on PA as a vital sign for health (Lobelo et al, 2014, Sallis et al, 2016) and the National ParkRx Initiative (The National ParkRx Initiative, 2016) which emphasizes the use of parks and other public lands to improve the overall health and wellness of a community. In addition, the National Physical Activity Plan, most recently launched in April 2016 lists four specific strategies that focus on health care providers and their ability to promote and discuss PA with their patients (The National Physical Activity Plan Alliance, n.d.).…”

Exercise — The Medicine We Should All Prescribe

“…To that end, a group of subject matter experts was convened in April 2015 to discuss the implementation of a physical activity vital sign (PAVS) for each medical visit for every patient (5). The authors postulate that a PAVS can provide ''valuable insight into a patient's health status and lead to opportunities to advance a culture of wellness.''…”