Exercise and health: participation and promotion by general practitioners.

A survey of 2599 general practitioners was undertaken to assess personal participation, attitudes and facilities for the promotion of exercise and health. The majority of the 1049 respondents took part in two or more vigorous physical activities during an average week and believed in the importance of exercise for health and wellbeing. Most respondents accepted the importance of fitness assessments in the management of certain diseases but were unable to undertake tests, other than taking a simple history, through lack of time, equipment, staff and space.It is suggested that health authorities might do more to support the growing interest and enthusiasm for exercise promotion among general practitioners by sponsoring more postgraduate training in the physiology of exercise and practical methods of fitness testing. The provision of additional staff, equipment and facilities to support these promotion initiatives should also be encouraged.