Decreased fitness is seen both in healthy people and in people with various pathological conditions or health issues. Licensed health professionals are mandated by the National Board of Health and Welfare to support people to increase their activity levels through physical activity on prescription (FaR®). Both for health promotion,and in order to prevent and improve diseases such as high blood pressure, stroke, angina, myocardial infarction, diabetes, osteoporosis and depression.
“Of course, the initial fitness level and starting point for exercise varies from person to person and the type of activity corresponding to the intensity recommendations needs to be adapted accordingly. Therefore, as part of the exercise prescription, it is very important to know the patient’s aerobic capacity,” explains Anita Wisén, licenced physiotherapist, associate professor and researcher at Lund University.
The patient’s aerobic capacity
To assess a person’s current aerobic capacity, the most accurate measure is to measure the oxygen uptake using a maximal, or alternatively, a submaximal aerobic test. However, these tests are sophisticated and time-consuming, requiring both expensive equipment and specially trained professionals. A simpler approach is for the person to self-assess their fitness using the Rating of Perceived Capacity (RPC) scale – an internationally accepted, clinically useful method developed by Anita Wisén:
“The RPC scale is described in the FYSS, which is an evidence-based support for physical activity prescription and an equivalent to the FASS. The scale is also included as a relevant assessment and evaluation tool for prevention and for different pathological conditions. By estimating perceived exertion on a metabolic equivalents scale, a person’s maximal oxygen uptake can be calculated. The dosage of exercise is central, but it can be tricky to calculate. There is a need to automate the calculations, as well as to clarify the advice on the intensity of exercise for different individuals.”
