Guidelines for a physical activity program, as a supplement to medical treatment

Based on data from the literature, the expert panel of the Inserm collective review "Physical Activity. Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Diseases" has recommended the systematic use of a physical activity program as an adjunct to other treatments for several conditions: cancers, cardiovascular diseases (coronary artery disease, chronic heart failure, stroke), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, musculoskeletal disorders, depression, and schizophrenia. For patients with these conditions, engaging in regular, varied, and sufficiently intense physical activity is an essential component of managing the disease and its sequelae, as well as preventing further complications and improving quality of life. In several conditions, it also has an impact on prognosis. For these conditions, the expert panel recommends prescribing a physical activity program immediately following diagnosis. The physical activity program must be personalized (frequency, intensity, duration, and exercise modalities) based on validated assessment tests. The expert panel recommends a combination of different exercise modalities and conditions to make them enjoyable for patients. Technological aids can help maintain motivation in the medium term. In addition, solutions that facilitate mobility in daily life throughout the lifespan should be incorporated. The expert panel recommends relying on a combination of approaches to sustain patient motivation.

Author(s): Fervers Béatrice, Nguyen Christelle, Guiraud Thibaud, Varray Alain, Gremy Isabelle, Carré François, Ninot Gregory

Publishing year: 2020

Pages: 23-29

Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, 2020, n° HS, p. 23-29

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