ActivSport Advisory Values

Physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for chronic diseases and premature death, and nearly 1/3rd of the world’s population does not currently meet the recommendations for regular physical activity. Implementing physical activity assessment, prescription, and referral as a standard of care within healthcare systems could significantly enhance patient outcomes. By routinely evaluating and addressing physical activity levels, healthcare providers could refer patients to facilities and personalized programs and interventions delivered by qualified exercise professionals for the prevention, management or treatment of inactivity-related chronic disease.

Physical fitness is paramount for military readiness, ensuring service members can perform duties effectively and safely. Today, only two in five young adults meet military fitness standards, posing a national security concern. The Military Sector of the National Physical Activity Plan aims to address this by improving access to and participation in structured physical activity programs in the community for all ages and maintaining and enhancing military personnel's physical capabilities. This commitment to fitness not only supports operational effectiveness but also reduces the risk of injury, enhances recovery, and fosters long-term health and resilience among service members.

Qualified exercise professionals are essential for public health, designing safe, effective programs across clinical, fitness, and sports domains.  Their expertise in exercise science and behavioral coaching helps individuals achieve fitness goals, manage chronic conditions, and improve well-being. Healthcare professionals and payers can confidently refer patients and other participants to professionals with current credentials from third-party accredited exercise professional certification programs which can be verified on national registries like the United States Register of Exercise Professionals that deliver exercise programs and interventions in community settings that improve health and well-being.

Exercise professionals must adhere to established best practices in education and credentialing to earn healthcare professionals' and payers' confidence.  This includes obtaining and maintaining certifications from third-party accredited programs, involving competency-based exams, continuing education, and disciplinary processes.  Professional registration for those individuals with organizations like the US Registry of Exercise Professionals is crucial for credential verification. These standardized credentials validate knowledge and skills, fostering trust, accountability, and facilitating collaboration between healthcare providers and exercise professionals for more effective patient care. 

 A national exercise referral framework, inclusive of all qualified physical activity and exercise professionals, streamlines connecting individuals with appropriate experts based on health status and personal goals.  In the U.S., the National Exercise Referral Framework standardizes referral pathways, considering physician oversight requirements, cost, access, and quality across healthcare and community settings. By facilitating easier access to exercise programs and interventions led by qualified exercise professionals, this framework can support the management and prevention of chronic diseases, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more active population.

Securing coverage for exercise programs is crucial for accessibility and affordability. Currently, there's more interest in reimbursing programs (e.g. HSA/FSA dollars) for managing existing conditions than for prevention. The fitness industry should capitalize on this opportunity to collaborate with healthcare providers. Advocacy efforts should focus on implementing standardized physical activity measures, prescriptions, and referrals as described in the HL7 FHIR Physical Activity Implementation Guide. This will support data collection on cost-effectiveness, necessary for including exercise interventions in healthcare reimbursement models. 

Ensuring access and inclusivity in physical activity programs and leadership is vital for addressing health disparities and promoting equity. Policies should prioritize creating safe, welcoming, and accessible environments for individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. By fostering inclusive programs and diverse leadership, we can encourage broader participation in physical activity, ultimately enhancing community health and cohesion.