How do Cardiologists Recommend Physical Activity? Survey on Physical Activity Recommendations by Cardiologists. (E-REAFIRMAR)

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Abstract

Background: A large number of studies confirm the benefits of physical activity, but only a few publications describe on how it is prescribed during the medical consultation. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of knowledge and attitude of cardiologists about existing recommendations on physical activity.

Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional study performed on 229 cardiologists responding to a virtual survey. The profile, degree of knowledge, planning and satisfaction of each cardiologist were analyzed. Responses were evaluated according to gender, cardiovascular risk factors, and years as a specialist.

Results: Seventy percent of participants met Health Organization recommendations for physical activity, 98.99% recommended
physical activity and 80.74% prescribed it. Only 31.85% had completed postgraduate training that included knowledge on physical activity prescription. Cardiologists with cardiovascular risk factors were mostly men and were less engaged in physical activity than the rest. Those with more years as specialist were likely to consider sedentary lifestyle as a risk factor, and prescribed more physical activity.

Conclusion: This survey provides knowledge on the prescription profile of cardiologists associated with physical activity. Lack
of information seems to be the greatest obstacle to prescription generalization.