Related Experiment Videos
A microcomputer-assisted exercise prescription for use by family physicians
1Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Arizona, College of Medicine, Tucson 85724.
The Journal of Family Practice
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Family physicians can assess aerobic fitness using a simple bench step test. Microcomputer software then creates personalized exercise plans for low-risk individuals, promoting regular training.
Area of Science:
- Exercise physiology
- Preventive medicine
- Health informatics
Background:
- Family physicians play a key role in guiding patients on exercise.
- Implementing regular exercise programs is crucial for public health.
- Current methods for exercise assessment and prescription may not be universally accessible in primary care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe practical methods for submaximal aerobic fitness assessment.
- To present microcomputer-assisted exercise prescription techniques for office-based practice.
- To evaluate the feasibility of these methods for routine patient care.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a submaximal bench step test to estimate aerobic fitness.
- Developed a BASIC program for a Macintosh computer.
- The program calculated fitness levels and generated individualized exercise prescriptions.
Main Results:
- The bench step test provides a practical method for aerobic fitness estimation.
- The microcomputer program efficiently processes data and creates tailored exercise plans.
- This approach is suitable for young to middle-aged, low-risk individuals.
Conclusions:
- Submaximal aerobic fitness assessment and computer-assisted prescription are feasible in primary care settings.
- This method offers a practical solution for initiating exercise programs in specific patient populations.
- Further application in clinical practice can enhance patient adherence to exercise regimens.