The PAR-Q+ (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone) is a self-screening tool with seven core questions used to assess if an individual needs to consult a healthcare professional before increasing physical activity.

Who should use the PAR-Q+?

The PAR-Q+ is recommended for anyone planning to begin a new exercise program, significantly increase activity levels, or participate in organized sports, including general fitness enthusiasts and those with chronic conditions.

What should I do if I answer "yes" to any PAR-Q+ question?

If you answer "yes" to one or more initial questions, the PAR-Q+ includes follow-up questions that will typically recommend medical consultation or advise proceeding with caution and specific activity modifications.

Is the PAR-Q+ a diagnostic tool?

No, the PAR-Q+ is a screening instrument, not a diagnostic test; it flags potential issues requiring further medical evaluation but cannot diagnose conditions.

How often should I complete the PAR-Q+?

It is advisable to complete the PAR-Q+ periodically, such as annually, or whenever there is a significant change in your health status or physical activity goals.

What is the 7-item questionnaire for physical activity?

What is the seven item questionnaire you can use to determine your readiness for physical activity?

The seven-item questionnaire used to determine readiness for physical activity is the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone, commonly known as the PAR-Q+. It is a self-screening tool designed to identify individuals who may need to consult with a healthcare professional before increasing their physical activity levels.

Understanding the PAR-Q+

The PAR-Q+ is a vital component of pre-participation screening, developed by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) and the Health & Fitness Society of Canada. Its primary purpose is to identify individuals for whom physical activity might be inappropriate or who should seek medical advice before starting or significantly changing an exercise program. This helps minimize the risk of adverse health events during exercise.

Purpose and Evolution: The original PAR-Q was a simple, seven-question screening tool. Recognizing the need for a more comprehensive yet still accessible instrument, the PAR-Q+ was developed. It retains the initial seven "yes/no" questions but includes additional follow-up questions for those who answer "yes" to any of the initial queries, guiding them towards appropriate medical consultation or clearance.

Who Should Use It? The PAR-Q+ is recommended for virtually anyone planning to begin a new exercise program, significantly increase their current activity levels, or participate in organized sports. This includes:

General fitness enthusiasts.
Individuals seeking guidance from personal trainers or exercise professionals.
Participants in fitness classes or sports leagues.
People with chronic conditions who are considering exercise.

The Seven Core Questions of the PAR-Q+

The initial screening phase of the PAR-Q+ consists of seven fundamental "yes/no" questions. A "yes" answer to any of these indicates a potential health concern that warrants further investigation.

Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart condition and that you should only do physical activity recommended by a doctor? This question assesses pre-existing cardiac conditions requiring medical oversight.
Do you feel pain in your chest when you do physical activity? This screens for exertional angina, a potential symptom of coronary artery disease.
In the past month, have you had chest pain when you were not doing physical activity? This looks for non-exertional chest pain, which can also indicate cardiac issues.
Do you lose your balance because of dizziness or have you ever lost consciousness (fainted)? This screens for neurological or cardiovascular issues that could lead to falls or injury during exercise.
Do you have a bone or joint problem (for example, back, knee or hip) that could be made worse by a change in your physical activity? This addresses musculoskeletal issues that might require modified exercise or medical clearance.
Is your doctor currently prescribing drugs (for example, water pills) for your blood pressure or heart condition? This identifies individuals undergoing medical treatment for cardiovascular issues.
Do you know of any other reason why you should not do physical activity? This open-ended question allows individuals to disclose other relevant health concerns not covered by the previous questions.

Interpreting Your PAR-Q+ Results

The interpretation of your PAR-Q+ answers is straightforward and crucial for safe exercise participation.

If You Answer "No" to All Seven Questions: If you can truthfully answer "No" to all seven initial questions, you are considered ready for physical activity. You can generally begin or continue an exercise program without needing to consult a doctor first. However, if your health status changes, or if you develop new symptoms, you should re-evaluate your readiness.

If You Answer "Yes" to Any of the Seven Questions: If you answer "Yes" to one or more of the initial seven questions, the PAR-Q+ includes follow-up questions to further clarify your condition. Depending on your responses to these detailed questions, the tool will recommend one of two paths:

Medical Consultation Recommended: In many cases, a "Yes" answer will prompt a recommendation to consult with your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional before beginning or significantly changing your physical activity. Your doctor can then provide medical clearance, offer specific exercise recommendations, or advise on necessary precautions.
Proceed with Caution/Modifications: For some conditions, after answering the follow-up questions, the PAR-Q+ may suggest that you can proceed with physical activity but advise caution or specific modifications, often under the guidance of an exercise professional.

The Importance of Pre-Participation Screening

Pre-participation screening, exemplified by the PAR-Q+, is a cornerstone of safe and effective exercise programming.

Safety First: The primary benefit is enhanced safety. By identifying potential risks early, it helps prevent adverse events such as cardiac episodes, injuries, or exacerbation of existing conditions during exercise.

Informed Decision Making: For individuals, it provides a clear understanding of their current health status relative to physical activity. For exercise professionals, it offers critical information to tailor programs, ensuring they are appropriate and safe for each client.

Guiding Personalized Programs: When medical clearance is obtained, healthcare professionals can provide specific guidelines that an exercise specialist can use to design a safe, effective, and individualized exercise program. This might include recommendations on exercise intensity, type, duration, and any movements or activities to avoid.

Limitations and Considerations

While the PAR-Q+ is an excellent screening tool, it's important to understand its limitations:

Not a Diagnostic Tool: The PAR-Q+ is a screening instrument, not a diagnostic test. It cannot diagnose medical conditions but rather flags potential issues that warrant further medical evaluation.

Doesn't Replace Medical Advice: A "No" to all questions doesn't guarantee absolute safety, nor does a "Yes" definitively prohibit exercise. It serves as a guide for when medical consultation is prudent. It should never replace a thorough medical examination or the advice of a healthcare professional, especially for individuals with known chronic diseases.

Ongoing Assessment: Health status can change over time. It is advisable to complete the PAR-Q+ periodically (e.g., annually) or whenever there is a significant change in your health or physical activity goals.

Conclusion: Empowering Safe and Effective Activity

The PAR-Q+ is an invaluable, evidence-based tool for anyone embarking on or progressing their physical activity journey. By taking a few minutes to complete this seven-item questionnaire, individuals can make informed decisions about their exercise readiness, prioritize their health, and ensure they engage in physical activity safely and effectively. Always remember that when in doubt, consulting with a healthcare professional is the safest and most responsible course of action.

PAR-Q+: Understanding the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire