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What exactly is an exercise prescription? Why do doctors prescribe an "exercise prescription"?
Exercise prescription refers to a fitness activity plan designed for a specific purpose, usually formulated for clients or patients by fitness or rehabilitation experts or sports medicine experts. The goals of exercise prescription should be focused on motivation and customization based on the specific needs and interests of the client or patient so that achieving goals becomes more likely to be successful. When formulating an exercise prescription, it is also necessary to consider the patient's medical history and conduct a preliminary examination of the physical condition to ensure that the patient has the ability to perform the exercise.
Patient referral
In the UK, there is a scheme called Exercise Prescription or Exercise Referral, where doctors can prescribe exercise to patients who would benefit from it, such as for conditions such as asthma, depression or obesity. The move is primarily aimed at reducing the incidence of heart disease. Since 2001, the UK Department of Health has established national standards for such doctors. The purpose of exercise prescription is to prevent the condition from getting worse and consider exercise as a preventive health measure.
Exercise prescriptions are designed to make it easier for patients to follow their doctor's recommendations to increase exercise or lose weight.
Exercise prescriptions for specific diseases
Arthritis
Research shows that exercise prescriptions help prevent and reduce the effects of joint diseases such as arthritis. Evidence shows that increasing quadriceps strength has a significant effect on reducing knee pain, in addition to general physical, psychological, and functional benefits.
Depression
A large number of studies have shown that exercise prescription has good effects on patients with depression. One study showed significant improvements in women who participated in a twice-weekly resistance training program. These results may be related to biochemical, physical and psychosocial factors.
Migraine
Although regular physical activity may be a worsening factor in migraine, physical activity is considered a non-pharmacological strategy for migraine prevention. People with migraine often find exercise less pleasurable due to fear and anxiety.
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Occlusion or closure of the arteries in the lower extremities can affect blood flow to the legs, resulting in a significant reduction in exercise capacity. For improving walking ability, alternative exercise prescriptions, such as arm cranks or cycling, should be considered and assessed against the risk of disease progression.
Diabetes
With the rapid increase in the number of diabetic patients, an inactive lifestyle is considered to be one of the main reasons. The benefits of exercise include reducing stress, reducing the risk of heart disease, controlling weight, and more. It is recommended to use exercises that are not too strenuous, such as walking, swimming, gardening, etc.
The Diabetes Association recommends at least 30 minutes of exercise every day, which can be divided into three 10-minute sessions.
Cancer
Exercise is recommended for the prevention of many cancers and has become part of many cancer treatments.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
For COPD patients, the right exercise program can improve quality of life. These programs should help increase aerobic capacity, improve endurance and reduce shortness of breath.
Exercise suggestions
According to Sport and Exercise Science Australia, it is recommended that you get at least 210 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 125 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise each week. Exercise should include aerobic and resistance training, and it is generally not recommended to go more than two days between workouts.
Exercise prescription for the elderly
Research has found that a good exercise program for the elderly can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and other diseases, and increase bone density and muscle mass.
Sports Program Development
Exercise prescription is designed to adjust the various variables in an exercise program to create the desired effects for the individual or sport. Exercise prescription usually includes adjustment of parameters such as exercise type, exercise duration, frequency and intensity.
Educational Resources
Individuals interested in pursuing a career in exercise prescription have access to a range of educational opportunities to provide the knowledge and skills needed to design and implement effective exercise programs.
Many universities offer bachelor's and master's degree programs in subjects such as exercise science and exercise physiology to provide students with a good foundation.
Online learning and professional courses
In addition to traditional degree programs, many institutions offer online and distance learning options, allowing individuals to pursue their education flexibly. These online courses often provide an interactive learning experience and give students access to experienced instructors.
As exercise prescription becomes an integral part of the medical system, does this mean that doctors in the future will increasingly rely on exercise to improve health?
