Content
Skip To Navigation Skip to Content
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregedivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregafgivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
Individuals & Caregivers
Physical & Occupational Therapy
Public Health Professionals
Teachers
 

NCHPAD - Building Healthy Inclusive Communities

Font Size:

Physical Examination


The physical examination should include the following:

  • Body weight or body composition
  • Pulse rate and heart rhythm
  • Blood pressure
  • Heart and lung auscultation
  • Palpation of peripheral arteries and inspection of limbs for edema
  • Presence of xanthoma or xanthelasma
  • Follow up for orthopedic or other medical conditions that would limit exercise
  • Neurological function and reflexes

The following table modified from the Canadian Standardized Test Manual (Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology and the Fitness Program, 1995) provides information on absolute and relative contraindications, and special prescriptive conditions for aerobic exercise training:

Absolute Contraindications Relative Contraindications Special Prescriptive Conditions
No exercise until condition is treated, stable, or past the acute phase. Exercise ability is based on the individual's condition. Exercise may be restricted or require medical supervision
Exercise training may require medical monitoring, special limitations, or special exercises.
Cardiovascular

Aortic aneurysm
Aortic stenosis (severe)
Congestive heart failure
Crescendo angina
Myocardial infarction (acute)
Myocarditis (active or recent
Pulmonary or systemic embolism (acute)
Thrombophlebitis
Ventricular tachycardia or other dangerous dysrhythmias

Aortic stenosis (moderate)
Subaortic stenosis (severe)
Marked cardiac enlargement
Supraventricular dysrhythmias
Ventricular ectopic activity
Ventricular aneurysm
Hypertension (uncontrolled)
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Compensated congestive heart failure

Aortic or pulmonary stenosis
Mild angina *
Post acute infarct
Cyanotic heart disease
Shunts
Conduction disturbances
Dysrhythmias-controlled
Fixed-rate pacemakers
Intermittent claudication
Hypertension

Infections Acute infectious diseases Subacute, chronic, recurrent infectious diseases Chronic infections
HIV
Metabolic Uncontrolled metabolic disorders (diabetes mellitus, thyrotoxicosis, myxedema) Renal, hepatic and other metabolic insufficiency
Pregnancy Complicated pregnancy Advanced pregnancy

(Modified from the Canadian Standardized Test Manual, Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology and the Fitness Program, 1995.)


blog comments powered by Disqus