Evidence-Based Medicine: Acknowledging the Role for Physical Activity

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Published: May 11, 2016
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18192/uojm.v6i1.1556
Keywords:
exercise, exercise prescription, medical education

Main Article Content

Brendan M Levac
Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa
Ellen LR Cusano
Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa
Ryan McGinn
Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa

Abstract

Modern technology and lifestyles have created an environment that predisposes our population to inactivity, resulting in fewer people meeting the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines. There is a clear link between inactivity and the risk of developing chronic health conditions including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cancer; however, exercise prescription and counselling by physicians is lacking. This may in part be attributed to inadequate training of physicians during medical school. In this commentary, we outline the demand for awareness and training of physicians to prepare them to prescribe physical activity, and propose steps to increase exercise prescrip­tion for improved population health.

 

La technologie moderne ainsi que nos habitudes de vie actuelles nous prédisposent à l’inactivité ce qui mène moins de personnes à respecter les directives canadiennes en matière d’activité physique. Un lien direct existe entre l’inactivité et le risque de développer des problèmes de santé chroniques incluant l’hypertension, le diabète de type 2, et le cancer. Toutefois, l’exercice et le counseling pre­scrits par les médecins sont peu pratiqués par les patients qui pourraient en bénéficier. Dans cet article, nous soulignerons le besoin de formation des médecins afin de mieux les préparer à prescrire de l’activité physique à leur patients et leur proposer des étapes pour améliorer la santé physique de la population.

Article Details

Issue
Vol. 6 No. 1: Preventative and Personalized Medicine
Section
Commentary
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