PAR-Q+ (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone)
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A free, validated self-screening questionnaire — seven yes/no questions up front, condition-specific follow-ups if any are "yes" — that tells most people they can start activity safely and routes the few who need it to a professional or the ePARmed-X+ tool.
Detail
The PAR-Q+ is the current evidence-based successor to the original 1970s PAR-Q. It is maintained by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology and distributed free (current edition 2024) at eparmedx.com. It is the international standard for self-directed pre-participation screening in community and fitness settings.
Structure:
- Page 1 — seven general questions about heart condition/high blood pressure, chest pain at rest or with activity, dizziness/loss of consciousness, other chronic medical conditions, prescribed medications for a chronic condition, bone/joint/soft-tissue problems worsened by activity, and a doctor saying you should only do medically supervised activity.
- If "NO" to all 7 → the person is cleared to become more physically active and may proceed (gradual progression recommended; consider a qualified exercise professional).
- If "YES" to one or more → complete the condition-specific follow-up questions (pages 2–3), which ask in detail about each chronic condition (heart disease, metabolic disease, mental health, respiratory, cancer, etc.).
- If "NO" to all follow-ups → may proceed with progressive activity, ideally with guidance.
- If "YES" to any follow-up → complete the online ePARmed-X+ and/or consult a qualified exercise professional before becoming more active.
The PAR-Q+ is appropriate across the lifespan ("for everyone"), including older adults and many people with stable chronic conditions, because the follow-ups handle nuance rather than blanket-referring. Special situations (acute illness, pregnancy concerns, recent symptom change) still warrant professional input.
Key facts
- Current edition: 2024; free; maintained by CSEP (eparmedx.com).
- 7 general questions on page 1; YES to any → condition-specific follow-ups (pages 2–3).
- NO to all general questions → cleared to progress activity.
- YES to a follow-up → complete ePARmed-X+ and/or see a qualified exercise professional.
- Replaces the older PAR-Q; designed to screen "everyone," including seniors and stable chronic-condition populations.
Connections
- preparticipation-screening-overview — where PAR-Q+ fits in the screening workflow.
- acsm-screening-algorithm — the professional-side counterpart.
- medical-clearance — what a "yes" routes you toward.
- seniors / prenatal — populations needing extra care even when PAR-Q+ clears.
Educational content only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for individualized guidance, especially around injury, pregnancy, or medical conditions.