Research summary
Around the world, physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for death worldwide—and low fitness levels are associated with a greater risk of mortality than smoking, obesity, hypertension or high cholesterol. Although physicians can prescribe physical activity to prevent and treat chronic diseases, patients do not always do their part.
Dr. Jane Thornton, Canada Research Chair in Injury Prevention and Physical Activity for Health, is looking for solutions to address this issue. Her idea is that using digital health tools to screen and monitor patients can save time for physicians, while also making it more likely that patients will do the recommended activities. She and her research team hope to develop, implement and evaluate novel health technology applications to increase patients’ physical activity levels and improve health outcomes for all Canadians.