Physical activity and fitness assessment

Physical inactivity is a risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. Members of a state chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics were assessed about their practice behaviors and knowledge related to physical activity and fitness assessments. During health supervision evaluations 19% obtained a physical activity history and 7% measured a heart rate response to exercise. When assessing physical fitness 24% obtained an activity history which included kind, intensity, duration and frequency. 64% limited their physical fitness evaluation to an inspection of general appearance and weight, while 1% used a bicycle ergometer or treadmill, 4% used a step-test and 10% ran a child in place. Only 42% used the information to make recommendations about physical activity. 75% were not familiar with ACSM or AHA recommendations about exercise. Barriers cited to increasing physical activity and fitness assessments included lack of physician time, office space, staff time, and physician training. This survey demonstrates the need for increasing the awareness level of pediatricians about the role of exercise in preventing CHD and the need to incorporate such evaluations into their routine practice.