A survey reveals that to be in better shape, doctors are increasingly recommending that patients take up sports.
Prevention campaigns remind us that the practice of a regular physical activity is recommended whatever our age. Sport helps us lose weight, reduce stress and also limit the risk of developing certain diseases. However, a new trend is observed in this area. Today these are doctors who invite their patients to practice a sport regularly.
This is a trend that emerges froman Ipsos poll commissioned by the FFEPGV. The French Federation of Physical Education and Voluntary Gymnastics reveals that this concerned 40% of French people. Moreover, certain segments of the population are more affected than others.
Encourage young people and sedentary people to play sports
The survey reveals that physical activity prescriptions concern especially those under 35 and sedentary people. Respectively, these recommendations concern 35 and 47% of the respondents concerned. Conversely, seniors are the least sensitive to this growth with only 12% of those over 60 affected.
Moreover, this finding would be up compared to 2021. Indeed, the FFEPGV press release specifies that sports prescription is up 6%. However, this finding is lower compared to years like 2018 and 2019.
This increase is mainly due to within the framework of the “Sport on prescription” law. Set up in 2017, it allows doctors and health specialists to prescribe physical activity adapted to patients who need it. This concerns both sedentary people and people with a loss of autonomy or suffering from chronic illnesses.
But if the increase in prescriptions is a good thing, respondents raise an important point. Indeed, the doctor prescribes the practice of a physical activity. However, it does not necessarily specify which one. And that somewhat confuses patients.
A mixed report on the recommendation of a physical activity by the doctor
According to the survey, 20% of physical activity prescriptions did not specify which sport to practice. However, another observation stands out. The French are only 22% to seek the advice of their doctor to know what activity to practice on a regular basis. This can testify toa desire of respondents to retain the freedom to choose what seems most suitable for them.
Indeed, it is regularly reminded that to be practiced regularly, sport must above all be a pleasure. However, a forced prescription can go against the desires of patients. However, a happy medium may exist. Doctors can guide patients by indicating which muscles to use or by submitting suggestions adapted to the needs of patients.