Assessing existing screening guidelines for physical activity

Although increased physical activity is being widely promoted as a primary health enhancer, widespread dissemination of this public health message is hampered by screening guidelines that often medicalize entry criterion for participation in activity programs. Several professional organizations have published guidelines for screening for exercise testing and exercise prescriptions. Yet, professionals and community organizations that offer physical activity programs are not always aware of the standards currently available for screening and exercise prescription, nor are they completely aware of the fact that many adults can safely be physically active at moderate levels without first seeing a physician. The purpose of this project is to review existing guidelines with assessment of their applicability in multiple settings for more diverse populations, as well as interview and convene stakeholders to identify barriers to implementing guidelines. Project deliverables include a review of existing screening guidelines and an annotated bibliography, a summary of common themes and findings from key stakeholders, and survey results from a group of behavioral interventions regarding screening guidelines that have been employed. This project will be considered successful if it results in a summary and annotated bibliography of existing guidelines for screening, a summary of expert opinions regarding typical screening guidelines, and a manuscript documenting what screening guidelines were used in one multisite behavioral change initiative.

Grant Details

Amount Awarded $99,996.00

Awarded on: 1/10/2003

Time frame: 10/1/2002 - 12/31/2005

Grant Number: 46841