Exercise is medicine. We have known it for many years. Yet, how does this knowledge impact medical interventions? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), physical inactivity is among the top ten causes of preventable deaths in developed countries. Committing to regular exercise is one of the most positively impactful decisions a person can make to improve health and decrease disease. So, why does the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that a meager 24.2% of Americans age 18 and over meet the Physical Activity Guidelines?
“Exercise Is Medicine” (EIM) is not a new initiative. Herodicus, a doctor in 500 BCE, was recently recognized as the “Father of Sports Medicine” because of his dedication to exercise therapy.
Hippocrates, often known as the “Father of Medicine,” was the first recorded doctor to write a detailed exercise plan. His plan aimed to treat tuberculosis. Hippocrates believed, “If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not too much, we would have found the safest way to health.”
This philosophy of medicine far exceeded the insights of other ancient clinicians. That is why we still reference their discoveries and recognize their achievements. Though these truths are now common knowledge, implementing exercise as medicine is a challenge for modern-day clinicians.
The “Exercise Is Medicine” initiative, founded by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) in 2007, aims to make physical activity assessment and exercise prescribing the gold standard for disease prevention and treatment.
More than 50% of health conditions are attributed to unhealthy and sedentary lifestyles. Competing priorities and limited time keep practitioners from fully embracing the EIM initiative. With the right resources and support, providers can efficiently implement the “Exercise Is Medicine” initiative.
An exercise prescription is not synonymous with patient education. Patient education seeks to teach the benefits of exercise and deliver activity ideas. An EIM prescription provides patients with a specific, personalized exercise plan.
The bottom line is that health recommendations do not hold the same weight as an exercise prescription. Patients take prescriptions more seriously.
ACSM created the acronym FITT-VP to help clinicians write exercise prescriptions. The five components needed for an exercise prescription are the following:
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines exercise as “ a subcategory of physical activity that is planned, structured, repetitive, and purposeful…” Prescribing exercise is not the same as encouraging increased physical activity. Exercise prescriptions provide patients with a personalized regimen to help increase physical activity. It is more than a recommendation. It is a plan.
Despite proven benefits, physicians are reluctant to incorporate exercise prescribing into their medical practices. Some hindrances to using EIM are the following:
Of the listed obstacles, underestimating prescription benefits is likely the most significant hindrance. Why bother learning a new prescribing technique if you wonder if your efforts are welcomed or wanted?
According to the 2023 Gallup Polls, medical doctors received the second-highest ethics rating of any profession. Your patients trust your insights and value your input. Writing an exercise prescription may be the thing that helps get your patient moving, resulting in better outcomes.
The “Exercise Is Medicine” initiative is good practice. But clinicians observe an additional and surprising perk. Many people are looking for practitioners passionate about holistic care. When word gets out that you offer non-pharmaceutical interventions, your practice will likely attract clients eager to change for the better.
Believing in the “Exercise Is Medicine” initiative is one thing. It is another to know how to implement it into patient practice. Physicians often feel overwhelmed by the idea of adding anything to their schedules.
ACSM and the American Medical Association aim to make it easy for clinicians. They created an online tool with step-by-step guidance for prescribing exercise. This resource is helpful for all specialty types, not merely cardiac rehab. This online tool assists with prescribing and monitoring patient progress.
We have a long history of courageous medical professionals willing to address the effects of inactivity on patient health. Technology and pharmaceutical discoveries overshadow the simplicity of exercise prescriptions. The “Exercise Is Medicine” initiative supports clinicians and helps them address disease at the foundational level.
We strive to advance our technologies while embracing time-tested techniques. How can we support your practice? Are you looking to refer a patient for sports medicine resources? Look no further. Click the “Refer” button to get started.
“Exercise Is Medicine.” NIH: National Library of Medicine, 2020, Exercise Is Medicine – PMC.
“Exercise Testing and Prescription.” American College of Sports Medicine, 2018, acsms-exercise-testing-prescription.pdf.
“Exercise prescription: what does it mean for primary care?” NIH: National Library of Medicine, 2014, Exercise prescription: what does it mean for primary care? – PMC.
“The history of “Exercise Is Medicine” in ancient civilizations.” NIH: National Library of Medicine, 2014, The history of “Exercise Is Medicine” in ancient civilizations – PMC.
Subscribe to our MEDforum e-newsletter for the latest guidelines and information from Up Health.
