| To
optimize your safety during both the Physical Abilities Testing
(PAT) and exercise training in preparation for the PAT, some initial
screening for important medical and health factors is necessary.
The purposes for this type of pre-participation screening include:
-
Identifying those individuals who have medical conditions
serious enough that exercise would either present an immediate
risk or aggravate the medical problem
- Identifying
those individuals who have signs and symptoms which suggest
a problem or risk factors for diseases who should receive
further medical evaluation before undergoing exercise training
or a PAT, and
- Identifying
those individuals who may have special exercise requirements,
or who should take special precautions prior to exercising.
For example, taking a diuretic (water pill) for moderate hypertension
means that you should take care to drink extra fluid before,
during and after exercise. |
| It is not
necessary for everyone to get a thorough physical examination
from a physician prior to starting an exercise program. Such
a requirement is not scientifically necessary, cost-effective
or time-efficient. However, if going to your physician would
make you feel better about beginning an exercise program, by
all means do so. |
 |
The Physical
Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) is recommended as a minimal
standard for screening prior to beginning and exercise program or,
if some activity is already underway, to exercising more vigorously.
The PAR-Q is designed to identify the small number of adults for
whom physical activity might be inappropriate and those who should
have medical clearance prior to exercise and testing.
PHYSICAL
ACTIVITY READINESS QUESTIONNAIRE (PAR-Q)
1. Has a doctor ever said you have a heart condition and recommended
only medically supervised physical activity?
2. Do
you have chest pain brought on by physical activity?
3. Have
you developed chest pain within the last month?
4. Do you tend to lose consciousness or fall over as a result
of dizziness?
5. Do
you have a bone or joint problem that could be aggravated
by they proposed physical activity?
6. Has a doctor
ever recommended medication for your blood pressure or a heart
condition?
7. Are
you aware, through your own exorcize or a doctor's advice,
or any other physical reason why you should avoid exercising
without medical supervision?
If you
answered YES to any of these 7 questions, vigorous exercise
and exercise testing (the PAT) should be postponed until medical
clearance is obtained. |
Question number
7 of the PAR-Q is an open-ended question which covers medical and
physical problems which make further medical screening necessary.
Many individuals may question whether certain conditions are important
enough or severe enough to warrant seeing their doctor. However,
it is recommended that, if you have any question about a medical
conditions or your ability to exercise, that you consult your doctor
as to an appropriate level of activity.
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