Regular physical activity is fun and healthy, and increasingly
more and more people are starting to become more active every day. Being
more active is very safe for most people. However, some people should
check with their doctor before they start becoming much more physically
active.
If you are planning to become much more physically active than you are
now, start by answering the seven questions in the box below. If you
are between the ages of 15 and 69 the PAR-Q will tell you if you need
to check with your doctor before you start. If you are over 69 years
of age, and you are not used to being very active, check with your doctor.
Common sense is your best guide when you answer these questions. Please
read the questions carefully and answer each one honestly: Circle YES
or NO.
1. Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart condition
and that you should only do
physical activity recommended by a doctor? YES / NO
2. Do you feel pain in your chest when you do physical activity?YES
/ NO
3. In the past month, have you had chest pain when you are not doing physical
activity?YES / NO
4. Do you lose your balance because of dizziness or do you ever lose consciousness?YES
/ NO
5. Do you have a bone or joint problem that could be made worse by a change
in your physical activivity?.YES / NO
6. Is your doctor currently prescribing drugs (for example, water pills)
for your blood pressure or heart condition?YES / NO
7. Do you know of any other reason why you should not do physical activity?YES
/ NO
If you answered YES to one or more questions:
- Talk with your doctor by phone or in person BEFORE you start becoming
much more physically active or BEFORE you have a fitness appraisal. Tell
our doctor about the PAR-Q and which questions you answered YES.
- You may be able to do any activity you want – as long as you start
slowly and build up gradually. Or you may need to restrict the activities
to those that are safe for you. Talk with your doctor about the kind of
activities you wish to participate in and follow his/her advice.
- Find out which community programs are safe and helpful to you.
If you answered NO honestly to all PAR-Q questions,
you can reasonably sure that you can:
- Start becoming much more physically active – begin slowly and
build up gradually. This is the safest and easiest way to go.
- Take part in a fitness appraisal – this is an excellent way to
determine your basic fitness so you can plan the best way for you to live
actively.
- I f you are not feeling well because of a temporary illness such as
a cold or fever – wait until you feel better; or
- If you are or may be pregnant – talk to your doctor before you
start becoming more active.
Please note: If your health changes so that you then answer YES
to any of the above questions, tell your fitness or health professional.
Ask whether you should change your physical activity plan.
Informed Use of the PAR-Q: The Canadian Society for Exercise
Physiology, Health Canada, and their agents assume no liability for persons
who undertake physical activity, and if in doubt after completing this
questionnaire, consult your doctor prior to physical activity.
© Canadian Society For Exercise Physiology
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