MODULE 2 PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT PAR-Q

PED 030

1. Module 2 -
Contemplation
Stage

Assessing Readiness for Physical Activity:
Risk Stratification and the PAR-Q

2. MODULE 1:
Pre- Contemplation
Stage

MODULE 1:
Pre- Contemplation 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. ●Student with chest pain
during the activity
●Healthy 20 year old
with no symptoms
●Obese client,
sedentary, with
hypertension
●Individual with
controlled asthma

7. •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.
•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.

8. 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.

9. 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!

10. 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:

11. 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

12. -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

13. -Sedentary
-no major signs and symptoms
-BP, Pulse Rate, RR & T are normal
-no medical condition history
-BMI is overweight

LOW RISK
Low Intensity Pattern

14. -Asthmatic
-maintain
salbutamol puff
-exacerbations
(asthma attack) 6x a
year
-Both parents are
diabetic
-Normal vital signs
-BMI is normal

HIGH RISK
Case 3

15. Check for Understanding

16. 1. Which of the following individuals needs medical clearance
before starting an exercise program?
a. Healthy 22-year-old with no symptoms
b. 48-year-old smoker with no current symptoms
c. 60-year-old with chest tightness during walking
d. 18-year-old athlete

17. 2. What is the purpose of the PAR-Q?
a. Diagnose heart conditions
b. Identify individuals who may need further screening
c. Recommend exercises
d. Classify risk factors

18. 3. A student answers “Yes” to one question in the
PAR-Q. What should happen next?
a. Conduct further screening or refer to physician
b. Allow to proceed with exercise
c. Recommend vigorous activity
d. None of the above

19. 4. Which category does a 55-year-old male, overweight, and
hypertensive, but asymptomatic fall under?
a. Low Risk
b. Moderate Risk
c. High Risk
d. None

20. 5. What is one benefit of pre-participation health screening?
a. Ensures everyone does high-intensity training
b. Prevents muscle soreness
c. Reduces risk of adverse events during exercise
d. Replaces medical exams

21. Reflection Activity (5points)
“How will understanding risk stratification influence your role as future
health professionals in promoting physical activity?”

22. 1⃣ Complete PAR-Q → Self-screening by individual
2⃣ Perform Risk Stratification → Professional categorizes risk based on history,
symptoms, and known conditions
3⃣ 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.