Prescription of physical exercise for internists

Abstract

The health benefits of physical exercise are widely known. Regular physical exercise reduces mortality from all causes, the incidence of cancer, improves cognitive reserve and reduces dependency. 

The World Health Organization recommends for all adults at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate physical activity per week or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous physical activity and resistance exercise of high or moderate intensity that includes all major muscle groups 2 or more days a week.

To help our patients reach this recommendation, an important tool is the prescription of physical exercise. This should include type, frequency, intensity and duration of the activity.

As internists we must know the importance of physical activity and exercise in our patients, and its impact on health. Particularly important is in those sedentary patients, in whom a small increase in their physical activity has a maximum impact on their health.