Preparticipation Screening Prior to Physical Activity in Community Lifestyle Interventions

Behavioral lifestyle interventions in the community setting are effective in reducing the risk and burden of chronic diseases. The promotion and implementation of physical activity plays a key role in these community-based lifestyle programs. New guidelines on preparticipation screening for cardiovascular disease prior to physical activity have been released which include substantive modifications. These updated recommendations represent a substantial paradigm shift toward a more liberal approach that results in fewer individuals needing to seek medical clearance before starting a physical activity program. This shift has significant implications for those promoting physical activity within the community setting. The objectives of this commentary are to review the updated recommendations within the context of community-based lifestyle intervention programs such as those currently being offered throughout the United States for the primary purpose of diabetes prevention and to discuss the implications for those providers developing and implementing such programs.