Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription (ACSM)

Physical inactivity is of epidemic proportions in the United States. More than 60% of American adults fail to meet the recommended amounts of physical activity, with 25% having no physical activity. Regular physical activity confers numerous health benefits and plays an integral role in the prevention and treatment of multiple chronic diseases and disabilities. Exercise prescriptions are designed to enhance the components of physical fitness, endorse health by modifying the risk factors for chronic disease (e.g., dyslipidemia), and ensure safety during exercise participation. Exercise testing provides information on individual functional capacity and the outcomes of various physical activity/exercise interventions. This entry briefly summarizes the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines for exercise testing and exercise prescription.