Module 2 -
Contemplation
Stage
Assessing Readiness for Physical Activity:
Risk Stratification and the PAR-Q
MODULE
MODULE
1: 1:
Pre- Contemplation
Pre- Contemplation Stage
Stage
Learning Targets
Explain the purpose and process of risk stratification
before engaging in physical activity.
Administer the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire
(PAR-Q).
Classify individuals into risk categories (low, moderate,
high) using professional guidelines and justify the need for
medical clearance or supervision based on risk.
The Risk We Don’t Often Talk About
“Is exercise risky?”
“Is it safe to do nothing?”
World Health Organization
-not moving enough is one of the top 4 causes of death worldwide.
Introductory Activity
"Listen carefully to each statement I will say. Respond using the following actions to show your
judgment:
Raise a hand if you think the statement indicates
it is safe to start physical activity.
Cross arms if the statement suggests that
caution is needed before beginning.
Stand up if the statement shows that the person should
seek medical clearance before doing any physical activity
● Healthy 20 year old ● Student with chest
with no symptoms pain during the activity
● Obese client,
sedentary,
● Individual with with
controlled asthma hypertension
• The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-
Q) is a common method of uncovering health and
lifestyle issues prior to an exercise programme
starting.
• The PAR-Q is a simple self-screening tool that is
typically used by fitness trainers or coaches to
determine the safety or possible risks of exercising
based on your health history, current symptoms, and
risk factors. It also can help a trainer create an ideal
exercise prescription for a client.
• If you answer “yes” to any of the questions on the first
page of the PAR-Q+ (note: make sure it’s recent or current
symptoms), you must complete the second, third & fourth
page. If you answer “no” to all of those follow-up
questions, you are ready to be physically active but still
need to validate.
Application of ACSM’s
Pre-Participation Health
Screening Algorithm
The ACSM’s (American College
of Sports Medicine) pre-
participation health screening
algorithm is used to identify
individuals who may be at risk for
exercise-related cardiovascular
complications. It helps fitness
professionals and health
providers decide whether
someone needs medical
clearance before engaging in
physical activity or increasing the
intensity of their exercise.
Reading and Answer
Get a copy of the PAR-Q form along with a short reading guide. Please make sure to carefully
read the guide and complete the PAR-Q form as honestly as possible
� Reminder:
The PAR-Q isn’t a medical diagnosis—it’s just a first line of defense to help people stay safe
before getting active. Always better to pause and check than to push and regret!
Who’s Ready to Move? Understanding Risk Levels
Okay—so what happens after someone checks “yes” on the PAR-Q?
That’s where risk stratification comes in. Don’t let the term scare you—it just means we figure out
how safe it is for a person to start exercising, and whether they need supervision or medical
clearance first.
We look at 3 main things:
Based on that, we sort them into:
•� Low risk
- Moderate to High Intensity
• Moderate risk – Needs a bit of
guidance.
- Light or Moderate Intensity
• High risk – Best to get a doctor’s okay first.
- Medical testing/ clearance
-Vital signs are within normal limits.
-Not Sedentary
-No CV, Pulmonary, Metabolic Disease
-No major signs and symptoms
-Mother has diabetes but controlled
-BMI is Normal
Low Risk
Moderate to High Intensity Pattern
-Sedentary
-no major signs and symptoms
-BP, Pulse Rate, RR & T are normal
-no medical condition history
LOW RISK
-BMI is overweight
Low Intensity Pattern
Case 3
-Asthmatic
-maintain
salbutamol puff
-exacerbations
(asthma attack) 6x a
year
-Both parents are
diabetic
-Normal vital signs
-BMI is normal
HIGH RISK
1️⃣ Complete PAR-Q → Self-screening by individual
2️⃣ Perform Risk Stratification → Professional categorizes risk based on history,
symptoms, and known conditions
3️⃣ Decide if medical clearance or special testing is needed before starting
exercise
� Key Takeaways
✔ Screening helps prevent exercise-related health emergencies.
✔ Many people can safely start moderate-intensity exercise without a doctor, but
high-risk individuals need clearance.
✔ As future health professionals, understanding these tools ensures you promote
safe and appropriate exercise programs.