Which category of exercise requires an MD supervision for all testing?

The category of exercise that requires MD supervision for all testing is high risk. This classification pertains to individuals who have significant health issues or underlying medical conditions that could lead to adverse events during exercise testing. Individuals categorized as high risk are those with known cardiovascular, pulmonary, or metabolic diseases, or those with multiple risk factors that elevate their chances of experiencing complications.

Supervision by a medical doctor (MD) is crucial during testing for these individuals to ensure safety and to promptly address any medical emergencies that may occur. High risk individuals might have unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction, significant arrhythmias, or other serious health concerns that necessitate a higher level of medical oversight during exercise activities.

In contrast, low and moderate-risk categories do not require such stringent supervision because these individuals typically do not present the same level of health concerns and can be safely assessed and tested without direct MD involvement, provided that they are assessed correctly and monitored adequately for exercise-induced complications.

Thus, ensuring MD supervision for high-risk individuals during exercise testing is a key safety measure in the exercise prescription process.