Exercise applications and promotion in behavioral medicine: Current status and future directions.

Abstract

The present article summarizes and comments on the clinical applications and promotion of aerobic (endurance) exercise within behavioral medicine. Highlighted applications include cardiovascular risk modification, obesity, diabetes, and smoking. Particular emphasis is placed on the problem of poor adherence to exercise programs in clinical and apparently healthy populations alike, on the identification of the high-risk dropout, and on the modification of exercise adherence. Finally, preliminary findings are summarized, and recommendations are made for future research and exercise program applications and promotion.