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Physical Activity
KEY POINTS:
Obtaining a Physical Activity History
1. When obtaining a physical activity history, assess both prior and
current physical activity and exercise habits.
2. Structured physical activity includes planned exercise, whereas
unstructured physical activity includes daily movement and
activities of daily living.
3. Assessment should quantify sedentary time, defined as any
waking activity with an energy expenditure of 1.5 METs or less.
4. Readiness for exercise can be assessed using tools such as The
Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone (PAR-Q+).
Assessing Physical Activity and Exercise
➤ When obtaining a physical activity history, clinicians should
inquire about past and current levels of physical activity, as well
as the patient's understanding and attitudes toward physical
activity.
• Physical activity may be structured if planned and regimented
(e.g., yoga classes, a weekly hike with f riends).
• Exercise is a type of structured physical activity performed to
improve or maintain health and f itness.
• Physical activity is unstructured, if spontaneous and informal
(e.g., activities of daily living, f idgeting) and is also referred to as
non-exercise physical activity (NEPA).
▶ Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) refers to the energy
expenditure f rom NEPA, or physical activities beyond sleeping,
eating, and structured physical activity.
• The FITTE model of exercise can be used as a framework for assessing
physical activity.
