Pediatric Exercise Medicine

Physical activity is a key factor in a healthy lifestyle and has therapeutic benefits for many chronic medical conditions affecting children. The Pediatric Exercise Medicine Program at Palo Alto Medical Foundation provides exercise testing to assess physical performance and the presence and severity of many health concerns. The program also helps young athletes pursue their sports safely and achieve long-lasting enjoyment and success.

What is the Pediatric Exercise Medicine Clinic?

The Pediatric Exercise Medicine Clinic uses exercise as a tool to:

• Assess your child’s current fitness level
• Diagnose disease
• Improve your child’s health and quality of life

Once our medical team assesses your child’s ability to engage in exercise safely, we develop an individualized exercise program your child will enjoy. We also outline ways to improve physical fitness and performance and address the value of exercise as it relates to chronic medical condition.

Who Benefits from a Visit to the Pediatric Exercise Medicine Clinic?

• Children with chronic conditions that make them reluctant to exercise
• Children at risk for developing type 2 diabetes
• Children who are overweight
• Active children or young athletes who experience worrisome symptoms with exercise, such as trouble breathing, fatigue or pain
• Sedentary children who are afraid of exercising or experience discomfort with exercise and want to be more physically fit
• Competitive athletes who would like to optimize their performance and are interested in performance evaluation

What to Expect at the Pediatric Exercise Medicine Clinic

• A doctor will complete a medical history and physical examination of the child
• The child will complete an assessment of his or her exercise tolerance
  on a bicycle ergometer or treadmill
• Results of the exercise test are analyzed
• A physician will explain the exercise test results to you and your child and help your child set goals and make improvements
• Follow up testing and appointments will be arranged as necessary to document progress and identify new goals
• A detailed report will be sent to your child’s primary care doctor