American Medical Society for Sports Medicine
View all recommendations from this societyReleased March 29, 2022
Do not forget to routinely assess activity levels and recommend appropriate physical activity to your patients.
Leading an active lifestyle has wide-ranging health benefits for people of all ages. Specifically, studies have shown a decrease in all-cause mortality associated with increasing levels of energy expenditure (Kcal/week). It has also been shown to decrease risk of coronary artery disease, diabetes, hypertension, many types of cancers, and a host of other medical conditions with strong, consistent epidemiologic evidence and moderately strong supporting evidence from clinical trials. Benefits on bone health and mental health have also been demonstrated. In the United States, cardiovascular disease alone accounts for an estimated $214 billion per year in healthcare expenses and causes $138 billion in lost productivity at work according to the Centers for Disease Control. Preventing cardiovascular disease, as well as other conditions, can potentially decrease both the use of healthcare resources and the associated cost.
Practitioners should routinely assess physical activity levels and recommend safe and appropriate activity to patients. The potential risks associated with a well-designed exercise program that accounts for age, baseline fitness level and medical history/co-morbidities are low, and far exceeded by the potential benefits. Some studies have also shown that exercise prescriptions increase physical activity levels and quality of life
These items are provided solely for informational purposes and are not intended as a substitute for consultation with a medical professional. Patients with any specific questions about the items on this list or their individual situation should consult their physician.
How The List Was Created
The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) has identified this list of clinical recommendations for the Choosing Wisely® campaign. The goal was to identify common topics in the practice of sports medicine that, supported by a review of the literature, would lead to significant health benefits and a reduction of common procedures that can be unnecessary or cause harm. For each item, evidence was reviewed from peer-reviewed literature and several sports medicine consensus statements. The list was initially generated and drafted by AMSSM’s Quality Measures Subcommittee. It was then edited and approved by AMSSM’s Practice and Policy Committee and the Board of Directors.
The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine’s disclosure and conflict of interest policy can be found at www.amssm.org.
Sources
See Uptodate.com: The benefits and risks of aerobic exercise. Authors: Peterson D, MD, MBA, FACP, FACSM. Section Editors: Aronson M, MD. O’Connor F, MD. MPH. FACSM. Deputy Editor: Kunins L, MD. This topic last edited: January 15th, 2021.
See Uptodate.com: Exercise prescription and guidance for adults. Authors: Franklin B, PhD. Sallis R, MD, FAAFP, FACSM. O’Connor F, MD, MPH, FACSM. Section Editor: Fields K, MD. This topic last edited: July 22nd, 2020.
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