Cardioprotective Benefits of Vigorous Physical Activity: The Risk Benefit Issue

Dr. Barry Franklin from the William Beaumont Hospital moderated the topic "Cardioprotective Benefits of Vigorous Physical Activity: The Risk Benefit Issue" with Drs. I-Min Lee from Harvard Medical School, David Swain from Old Dominion University and Paul Williams from the Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory participating.

The discussion focused primarily on:

(1) current recommendations for physical activity, including minimum levels and intensity,

(2) threshold intensity for improving aerobic activity,

(3) potential for additional risk reduction for heart disease,

(4) physiologic mechanisms and increase in aerobic capacity,

(5) potential for glucose control,

(6) the National Runners' Health Study and benefits of exceeding activity from current guidelines,

(7) modification of current guidelines for optimization of cardioprotective benefits,

(8) potential risks of vigorous physical activity,

(9) obesity prevention, and

(10) recommendations regarding commencement of moderate- or vigorous activity.

(Med Roundtable Cardiovasc Ed. 2010;1(3):167-175) ©2010 FoxP2 Media, LLC