Exercise as prescription: an italian pilot program

Background. It is note that physical activity can improve the general performance and the quality of life in people practising this one. Epidemiological clinical and laboratory studies have in fact provided many evidences on capacities of Physical Exercise to reduce morbidity and mortality in several diseases. Although only few Italian and European people regularly follow this program and therefore it remains the main issue on behalf of the health institutions. The physical exercise “as prescription”, requires a careful medical evaluation and a specific recommendation in terms of intensity and quantity. At the same time it is also important to inform every patients how to maintain or to regain their health and physical efficiency, and to avoid the activities that could be contraindicated. This matter is a peculiar competence on behalf of Sport Medicine discipline. Material and methods. At our Sport Medicine Center University of Florence-Italy, it has been recently appointed a plan to optimize the first evaluation of a subjects starting with physical activity in order to individualize and personalize the best program for every one. The population enrolled is normally over 40y, affected by several pathologies like diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease and obesity, but in stable condition. The complex evaluation protocol of “Physical Exercise as Prescription”, and the methods currently adopted on behalf of our specialist’s team, to elaborate an effective wellness program and to reduce the negative impact of the risks factors strongly related with them, are showed in the picture below. Conclusions. The pilot protocol adopted at our sport medicine center since last year, has demonstrated a relative easy use and application, improving the management and the quality of life of the patients enrolled . It is reasonable to think to extend the program to several else Sport Medicine Center.