Medicine and Motion: The Link Between Medications and Exercise

There is abundant evidence about the impact of physical activity on health. Many of the clinical guidelines include physical activity as a strong recommendation in treatment plans to optimize health outcomes; however it is necessary to consider the interaction between medications and physical activity. There are certain medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, pain and urinary incontinence that may directly impact physical activity as well as medications for those conditions can affect how a person can be physically active. Having individualized conversations with patients to determine ways to incorporate physical activity into their lives, taking medications into consideration, may lead to healthier outcomes.