ABSTRACT
Physician-directed exercise prescription is effective in helping patients make long-term lifestyle changes. Substantial evidence supports the efficacy of clinician-initiated physical activity counseling, prescription, and referral. Physicians, specifically, have begun to use physical activity vital signs and exercise prescription in their practices. The physicians’ perceived barriers to patient compliance with exercise prescription are important to consider in the referral system, particularly with regard to access and subsequent support. An exercise physiologist is a health professional who helps diagnose and treat a number of diseases through exercise. Exercise is Medicine is a global health program designed to improve the health and well-being of patients through a prescription of physical activity, lifestyle changes, and education from physicians and health care providers. Physicians generally view exercise as an important component of a healthy lifestyle and have begun to use physical activity vital signs and exercise prescription in their practices. Barriers to prescribing exercise exist, including time, knowledge of programming, and professionals.
