Regular physical activity, in combination with standard medical care, has an important role in the management and prevention of many long-term conditions.
We know that people with long-term conditions are often fearful of worsening their condition or experiencing potentially undesired consequences from physical activity. In fact, when physical activity levels are increased gradually, the risk of serious adverse events is very low. If appropriate, risks can be further reduced through well informed conversations with healthcare professionals which can help to reassure people.
Moving Medicine advises you to stop and seek medical review if you experience a dramatic increase in breathlessness, new or worsening chest pain, a sudden onset of rapid palpitations or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, a reduction in exercise capacity or sudden change in vision.
You can also seek advice from relevant charity websites related to your condition and the We Are Undefeatable campaign supporters.
*The list of medical conditions covered by this research is not exhaustive. For instance, Chronic Fatigue Syndromes/ME and Long COVID were excluded from this study as evidence regarding the risks of physical activity in these conditions is evolving. Existing guidance should be followed for those conditions.