Physical activity and leisure-time exercise prescription for sedentary/untrained individuals

Abstract

Modern life is associated with limited physical demands. Societal change has made travel, work, and free time physically less demanding. Sedentary/untrained individuals are an increasing group in modern society, and they are also considered to be at higher risk of cardiovascular complications. Thus this group should benefit from an increased level of physical activity (PA) as both primaryand secondary prevention. Advice on lifestyle should include guidance on smoking, eating, and physical activity, each complementary and additive to the other. The prescription of exercise to sedentary individuals is recommended to all, but should include an individual risk–benefit analysis to achieve the maximum potential health benefits at the lowest possible risk. However, there are also some absolute contraindications for PA in sedentary individuals. The final prescription should be followed up, and it should include assessment of the PA level and/or fitness, and must be adjusted when indicated.