From the Editor-in-Chief . . .
The Armstrong et al. commentary is an interesting discussion
of the age-old debate regarding the level of screening necessary for the
average individual to safely partake in a physical activity program. This
article has wide-spread implications for community-based physical activity
programs that impact individuals with a wide variety of health status. The
discussion illustrates the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and extensive
efforts to translate the research findings into a variety of community
settings, such as YMCA’s, workplace, and others. DPP was a behavioral
intervention that targeted modest weight loss and increases in moderate
physical activity to achieve 150 minutes per week. The translation of DPP to
community settings potentially provides a vast reach; however, there are trade
offs for safety when large numbers of individuals become physically active
without or with minimal screening for risk. The authors provide a
historical perspective regarding health risk screening prior to physical
activity and the burden it creates for the individuals and health care system.
There appears to be a shift from strict health screening/medical evaluation to
an approach that does not require extensive risk evaluation and testing, such
as exercise testing on a treadmill or similar device. Armstrong et al., outline
the rationale for past recommendations and the newer recommendations as
translational physical activity programs increase reach for individuals in an
array of community settings.
**Notice/Abstract Submission- please see authors can now
indicate their research as translational. Furthermore, notice the translational
research abstract competition under Travel Awards.
Joseph E. Donnelly, EdD, FACSM
