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Abstract
Teaching-service-community integration is essential in medical education, especially in the face of population aging and the need to safely clear older adults for physical activity. In this context, pre-exercise cardiovascular assessment conducted by medical students under supervision can support learning in clinical decision-making regarding older adults’ fitness to begin such activity. This study aims to report and analyze an experience of pre-participation cardiologic assessment in older adults, describing the workflow and findings that guided eligibility. This is an experience report carried out in the second semester of 2024 with 25 volunteer older adults, who underwent medical history and physical examination, administration of the PAR-Q questionnaire, electrocardiography, and review of laboratory tests. A heterogeneous clinical profile was observed, and conditions requiring further investigation and/or therapeutic adjustment were identified; 28% were considered temporarily unfit to start exercise immediately. The experience strengthened clinical reasoning and reinforced the importance of pre-exercise evaluation for safety and individualized care.
References
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