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Physical activity and exercise training for adults in sickness and in health

Working group appointed by the Finnish Medical Society Duodecim, the Executive Board of Current Care

Thematic Area
Patients’ perspective
Summary
“The purpose of the guideline is to promote physical activity in the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of diseases. Physical activity plays a key role in the management of several chronic noncommunicable diseases. In this guideline, the following diseases are discussed: endocrinological, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and respiratory diseases, as well as depression and cancer. In addition, physical activity during pregnancy and in senior citizens is review. Exercise counseling should be included as part of disease management and lifestyle guidance.” (www.kaypahoito.fi/en/ccs00049, cited 10.4.2023)
The publication is in Finnish. The physical activity guidelines in sickness are based on the exercise recommendations for the general adult population: The total of 2.5 hours moderate level or 1 hour and 15 minutes high-intensity endur­ance exercise per week, as well as muscle strength and balance exercises at least two times a week. Senior citizens need additional mobility and balance training. Contraindications and any illness-related restrictions are evaluated by a physician. The publications includes the estimations of the intensity of exercise in metabolic equivalents and in pulse rates. Physical exercise is recommended in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and in asthma.
Relevance
“Current Care Guidelines (Käypä hoito -suositukset) are independent, evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. These national guidelines cover important issues related to Finnish health, medical treatment as well as prevention of diseases. The guidelines are intended as a basis for treatment decisions, and can be used by physicians, dentists, healthcare professionals and citizens. The guidelines are developed by the Finnish Medical Society Duodecim in association with medical specialist associations. An expert committee and the Current Care Guidelines editorial team are responsible for producing these publicly funded guidelines. Both medical professionals and patients are consulted when developing the guidelines.” (www.kaypahoito.fi/en/about-current-care-guidelines, referred 29.3.2023)
Printable patient versions of the guidelines are also available in Finnish and Swedish, written in a way that is easy to understand for the lay person.
This guideline was updated in 2016, but it is still considered up-to-date and valid.

Keywords
Cancer, Cardiovascular diseases, Depression, Endocrinological diseases, Exercise, Musculoskeletal diseases, Physical activity, Pregnancy, Respiratory diseases