PAR-Q & YOU
Physical Activity Readiness
Questionnaire- PAR-Q
(Revised 2002)
(A Questionnaire for People Aged 15 to 69)
Regular physical activity is fun and healthy, and increasingly more people are starting to become more active every day. Being more
active is very safe for most people. However, some people should check with their doctor before they start becoming much
physically active.
If you are planning to become much more physically active than you are now, start by answering the seven questions in the box
below. If you are between the ages of 15 and 69, the PAR-Q will tell you should check with your doctor before you start. If you are
over 69 years of age, and you are not used to being very active, check with your doctor.
Common sense is your best guide when you answer these questions. Please read the questions carefully and answer each one
honestly. Check YES or NO.
YES NO
1. Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart condition and that you should only do physical
activity recommended by a doctor?
2. Do you feel pain in your chest when you do physical activity?
3. In the past month, have you had chest pain when you were not doing physical activity?
4. Do you lose your because of dizziness or do you ever lose consciousness?
5. Do you have a bone or joint problem (for example, back, knee or hip) that could be made worse by
a change in your physical activity?
6. Is your doctor currently prescribing drugs (for example, water pills) for you blood pressure or
heart condition?
7. Do you know of any other reason why you should not do physical activity ?
If YES to one or more questions
Talk with your doctor by phone or in person BEFORE you start becoming much more physically active or BEFORE you
You have a fitness appraisal. Tell your doctor about the PAR-Q and which questions you answered YES.
You may be able to do any activity you want – as long as you start slowly and build up gradually. Or you may
Answered need to restrict your activities to those which are safe for you. Talk with your doctor about the kinds of activities
you wish to participate in and follow his/her advice.
Find out which community programs are safe and helpful for you.
NO to all questions DELAY BECOMING MUCH MORE ACTIVE
if you are not feeling well because of a
If you answered NO honestly to all PAR-Q questions, you can be reasonably sure
temporary illness such as a cold or a fever –
that you can: wait until you feel better; or
Start becoming much more physically active- begin slowly and build up If you are or may be pregnant – talk to your
gradually. This is the safest and easiest way to go. doctor before you start more active.
Take part in fitness appraisal – this is an excellent way to determine
your basic fitness so that you can plan the best way for you to live PLEASE NOTE: If your health changes so that you then
actively. It is also highly recommended that you have your blood answer YES to any of the above questions, tell your fitness or
pressure evaluated. If your reading is over 144/94, talk with your doctor health professional. Ask whether you should change your
before you start becoming much more physically active. physical activity plan.
Informed Use of the PAR-Q: The Canadian Society foe Exercise Physiology, Health Canada, and their agents assume no liability for persons who undertake physical
activity, and if in doubt after completing this questionnaire, consult your doctor prior to physical activity.
No changes permitted. You are encouraged to photocopy the PAR –Q but only if you use the entire form.
NOTE: if the PAR- Q is being given to a person before he or she participates in a physical activity program or a fitness appraisal, this section may be used for legal or
administrative purposes.
“I have read, understood and completed this questionnaire. Any questions I had were answered to my full satisfaction”
NAME: DATE:
SIGNATURE: WITNESS:
SIGNATURE OF PARENT:
Note: This physical activity clearance is valid for a maximum of 12 months from the date it is completed and
becomes invalid if your condition changes so that you would answer YES to any of the seven questions.
©Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology www.csep.ca/forms
