The development of a microcomputer software program for the self assessment of physical fitness status and individualized exercise programming for the nonprofessional

The many benefits associated with regular physical exercise are well documented. Benefits include prevention and control of many common aliments, including coronary heart disease, cancer, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, obesity, osteoporosis, low back pain and mental health problems. Moreover, physical fitness levels are inversely associated with mortality and morbidity rates. In addition to these disease prevention benefits, many psychological benefits have been identified. Regular exercise is associated with improved self-esteem and self concept, increased abilities in memory and cognitive thought, and enhanced concentration levels. Despite the many benefits listed above, less than ten percent of the American adult population participate in a regular exercise program. Therefore, programs to increase participation are needed. Because the use of computers is steadily growing, a computer software program for the purpose of increasing exercise participation was developed. Many computer software programs have been developed to assist health professionals with fitness assessments and exercise prescriptions. However, this program was developed for the non-professional. The primary purpose of this software program is increase participation among the currently non-exercising adult population. Complex equations used by health professionals for fitness assessment and exercise programming can be calculated within the computer software program. Thus, the software program will allow the non-professional greater ability to begin and maintain a regular exercise program. The software program includes three modules, (a) fitness assessment, (b) exercise recommendations, and (c) exercise activity recording. The fitness assessment module allows the user to perform a series of self tests to evaluate fitness status. The exercise recommendations module allows the user to receive an exercise program based on their current fitness level. The exercise activity recording module allows the user to record information regarding each individual exercise session and to receive weekly and monthly reports based on this information.