General Questions
In order to change an answer you will have to go to the beginning of these surveys. We do not store your information on the computer you are using to do the online PAR-Q+ and ePARmed-X+ surveys. This is to protect your privacy on shared computers. We anticipate that many centres will use a shared computer to allow participants to use the online PAR-Q+ and the ePARmed-X+.
For most individuals it is NOT necessary to fill out both the PAR-Q+ and ePARmed-X+. The majority of people will be cleared for physical activity using the PAR-Q+ and therefore will not need the ePARmed-X+. In certain instances, people will be referred to the ePARmed-X+ for further questions to determine their readiness to become more physically active.
YES, it is possible to complete the PAR-Q+ online, and then print off the clearance recommendation form at the end of the survey process.
At the end of the online PAR-Q+ and ePARmed-X+ you will be able print off your specific recommendations. Most people will print off this document and sign the paper copy. However, some may prefer to sign and save this document electronically. There are a variety of online tools that can be used to electronically sign and save this as a pdf document. For instance, Adobe provides a free online program that allows you to sign a PDF using an e-signature. Once you have signed the form you can download your completed form or get a link to share your PDF electronically with others. https://www.adobe.com/ca/acrobat/online/sign-pdf.html
It is likely that community and leisure centres will have you complete a paper version of the PAR-Q+ for their records. However, you may also complete the online PAR-Q+ and ePARmed-X+ surveys and get a form to print off and sign in front of a witness. This form will outline the recommendations and also provide a place for your signature.
If your condition is not listed on the PAR-Q+ or ePARmed-X+ you will receive a general recommendation to visit your physician and/or a qualified exercise professional. This does not necessarily mean that you are at an increased risk for an adverse event when becoming more physically active, nor does it mean that you should stop doing physical activity. What it means is that the evidence regarding your condition has not been fully examined. In the future, your chronic condition may be included on our screening forms. However, until that time we recommend that you visit your physician and/or a qualified exercise professional to make sure that it is safe to become more physically active.
Throughout the world, there are several resources for you to become more physically active for those with and without chronic medical conditions. The World Health Organization is a great resource for individuals from around the world for physical activity and other lifestyle behaviour advice. Physical Activity Services at HealthLinkBC also has extensive resources regarding physical activity and healthy living for individuals of all ages and those with chronic medical conditions. Other example agencies that provide evidence-based information include the American College of Sports Medicine (USA), ParticipACTION (Canada), Canadian Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (Canada), and the International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (ICCPR).
Recently, the term qualified exercise professional was developed and operationally defined by our research team to clarify those qualified to work with various populations, including those with chronic medical conditions. In the context of working with higher risk clients, qualified exercise professionals would be individuals that have received university training in the exercise sciences or kinesiology (with advanced clinical training) currently possessing valid national certification for work with apparently healthy individuals and persons living with chronic medical conditions. Throughout the world there are various agencies that sanction and certify qualified exercise professionals.
A personal trainer may not necessarily be considered a qualified exercise professional in the context of the referrals/recommendations given by the PAR-Q+ and ePARmed-X+. This will depend upon his/her certification, education, training, and examination process. Further clarification from a particular certifying body is recommended to ensure that the personal trainer is appropriately trained to deal with your individual condition.
The risk stratification strategy is based on evidence that involved qualified exercise professionals working in stringently controlled settings. The risks of exercise have been shown to be low in research in both apparently healthy individuals and persons living with chronic medical conditions when working with qualified personnel. However, the current evidence indicates cautions when seeking the advice of individuals that have not attained this level of training (particularly for those with chronic medical conditions).
This depends on your goals. Most forms of exercise can be done with little or no equipment. You do not need to go to a gym to achieve the health benefits of physical activity; however, many find organized fitness classes as a good way of becoming physically active. We understand that some people are not comfortable in a gym or do not wish to pay membership fees. All of our recommendations are based on activities that you can do with minimal equipment. Feel free to consult a qualified exercise professional for advice on how to become physically active without having to spend a lot of money (e.g., https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/physical-activity).
We are currently working together with experts from around the world to make sure that the needs of as many people as possible are met. The first round of development was based on addressing physical activity/exercise clearance for various prominent chronic medical conditions (and pregnancy) that affect a large portion of society. Our efforts are ongoing and it is hoped that this process will lead to the inclusion of other conditions as the systematic reviews of the literature become available. A systematic review team is working together with researchers throughout the world to develop systematic reviews that meet the needs of the new risk stratification and physical activity clearance strategy. If you are interested in assisting with this process please contact our team: eparmedx@gmail.com