Assessing the current physical activity levels of your patients can be quickly achieved using the Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS). The PAVS consists of just two questions.

• On average, how many days per week do you engage in moderate to strenuous exercise (like a brisk walk)?
  • ____ days
• On average, how many minutes do you engage in exercise at this level?
  • ____ minutes
• Total minutes per week of physical activity
  • (multiply #1 by #2) = ____ minutes/week

These can be added to a health history form or incorporated into the EHR, filled out and scored prior to the provider exam and consultation.

The PAVS provides a snapshot of whether your patient is meeting the current Physical Activity Guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity each week. Noncompliant patients can be “flagged” so that you or your staff can provide the appropriate advice and/or resources. You will also be able to track changes in their physical activity levels over time.

Proceed to Step 2: Determine Your Patient's Readiness to Change