What is a limitation of the PAR-Q?

The PAR-Q, or Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, serves as a valuable tool for screening individuals before they engage in physical activity. While it is effective in identifying those who might need further evaluation due to high-risk factors, one of its limitations lies in its ability to adequately screen low to moderate-risk individuals.

The questionnaire is designed to identify potential medical issues that might increase the risk of exercise-related complications. However, the simplicity of the questions can sometimes lead to individuals with low to moderate risk not being thoroughly assessed for more specific issues or variable health conditions that could affect their exercise participation. Therefore, while the PAR-Q is beneficial for identifying high-risk individuals, it may not capture the full spectrum of potential risks for those categorized as low to moderate, limiting its effectiveness in these groups.

Understanding this limitation is crucial for exercise physiologists to ensure that all individuals receive an appropriate level of risk assessment prior to physical activity, promoting safety and well-informed exercise decisions.