Exercise prescription guidelines for normal and cardiac populations.

The basic components of aerobic exercise prescription include recommendations for optimal frequency, intensity, duration, mode, and progression of activity. The most effective program design involves the use of each of these components and incorporates specific coexistent medical problems and objective data derived from a multistage exercise tolerance test. In addition to the prescription of aerobic exercise, the use of circuit weight training and recreational activities has become accepted as an important part of a comprehensive exercise prescription. In effecting a well-designed and safe exercise program, the clinician must also be aware of environmental considerations and the effect of cardiac medications on the response to exercise.