Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine: Building on the Olympic Legacy to Improve the Nation's Health

HL 33, First Report of Session 2012-13 - Report

Author:

House of Lords - Select Committee on Science and Technology

Publisher:

TSO (The Stationery Office)

Price: £11.50

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'Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine: Building on the Olympic Legacy to Improve the Nation's Health (HL 33)' reports on sport, exercise science and medicine, and concludes that more must be done to make use of exercise based treatments.

There is compelling evidence that physical activity can be used as part of treatment for a wide range of chronic diseases. Yet there is a lack of awareness and appropriate training for health professionals of the benefits of exercise based treatments.

A recent survey of 48 London doctor's practices found that none were aware of the latest Physical Activity Guidelines. The NHS should consider adding physical activity to the Quality and Outcomes Framework, which reward patient care. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the NHS should update chronic disease guidelines with detailed information about exercise, and evaluate the best way to deliver exercise treatments through the NHS.

There is disappointment that the Sports Minister was interested only in increasing participation in sport, not using sport to improve the nation's health. The Committee believe that the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, set up as part of Olympic legacy, may not be sustainable. The funding from government is a one-off £30 million capital investment with no satisfactory strategy beyond that.

On sports science, the Committee argue that approaches taken to improve the performance of elite athletes are not consistently based on strong biomedical science, nor do they seem to be systematically informed by the latest developments in science.

Findings from high quality sports science could provide the basis for translational research to produce benefits for the wider public.

Extent	44 pages	ISBN	9780108476082
Size	A4	Price	£11.50
Format	Paperback	Published	18 Jul 2012
Availability	Colour copy: 3 - 5 days	Delivery	Delivery options and charges