Cardiovascular disease is the most common disease in the world, and its prevalence is steadily increasing. Major risk factors includephysical inactivity, and according to recent estimates, less than 20 percent of adults meet current physical activity guidelines. Among the main barriers to exercise is the fear that regular physical activity will cause symptoms or worsening of conditions in individuals with chronic conditions.

From the need to increase participation in physical activity and administer exercise in a safe and controlled environment, theExercise Prescription Outpatient Clinic was born atIRCCS San Raffaele . The service, supervised by Dr. Alessandro Gismondi , is aimed at anyone suffering from a chronic disease, such as hypertension, diabetes, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, obesity, or anyone who wants to do cardiovascular prevention.

The service includes:

• Aninitial examination with assessment of functional capacity by ergometric testing to identify pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors and rule out any contraindications to exercise. During the visit, the main goals to be achieved will be agreed upon and an individualized training program will be drawn up based on the patient’s clinical features and individual preferences.
• Training Sessions, lasting 90 minutes and under the physiotherapeutic supervision of a specialized team, can be divided into two or three times a week, in the time slot from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., depending on the patient’s preference. The minimum package is 12 sessions because four weeks (considering three sessions per week) is the minimum time to be able to induce adaptations with exercise and consequently obtain benefits.

In addition, state-of-the-art instrumentation in the cardiology gymnasium ensures an integrated approach to precision cardiovascular prevention. In fact, Technogym’s Biocircuit machines offer the possibility of varying the type of resistance (isotonic, isokinetic, fluid, elastic, etc.) allowing for a personalized prescription based on the clinical needs of the patient, who can easily monitor his or her progress by creating a profile that can be accessed via smartphone.