EM452: Clinical Exercise Medicine for Chronic Conditions

Chronic conditions (cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and oncological) share a common trait: they progressively reduce functional capacity and quality of life, often causing a vicious cycle of inactivity, clinical deterioration, and increasing dependence on healthcare services. In this scenario, physical exercise is no longer a simple therapeutic complement, but a central intervention in the short- and long-term management of these diseases.

Evidence shows that structured exercise programs can improve cardiac efficiency in patients with cardiovascular disorders, reduce dyspnea and increase exercise tolerance in respiratory diseases, enhance insulin sensitivity in metabolic conditions, and support physical and psychological resilience in oncological diseases. In addition to clinical benefits, exercise also contributes to the modulation of inflammation and the improvement of the immune and metabolic systems. These effects not only significantly improve the quality of life of patients with chronic conditions but also reduce the risk of mortality.

In addition, special attention will also be given to two conditions frequently associated with chronic diseases: sarcopenia and osteoporosis. Both are strong predictors of frailty, reduced independence, and risk of adverse events. Physical exercise can play a key role in managing and improving these clinical conditions.
This two-day workshop addresses Exercise Medicine from a theoretical and clinical perspective:
•    Understanding the benefits and physiological mechanisms of Exercise Medicine.
•    Assessment and management of patients with chronic conditions, including contraindications and red flags. 
•    Prescription and dosage of exercise intensity, volume, and frequency.
•    Management of complex cases and multimorbidity.
Practical activities will guide participants in building adaptable and safe protocols based on patient needs, with examples of direct application to different clinical cases and scenarios. Space will be given to self-regulation strategies, load progression, and tools for monitoring changes over time.

At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
1. Interpret the pathophysiological specificities of major chronic conditions and the role of exercise in their management.
2. Identify clinical priorities in patients with CVD, respiratory diseases, metabolic disorders, and a history of cancer.
3. Develop safe exercise programs adapted to functional limitations and comorbidities.
4.    Recognize and effectively treat sarcopenia and osteoporosis in clinical practice.
5.    Apply assessment tools to monitor the effectiveness of the intervention and guide the evolution of the prescription.
This course represents a unique opportunity to integrate theory and practice in the management of patients with chronic conditions in order to improve clinical practice and, consequently, the quality of life of patients.