Expectations, Adherence and Individualized Exercise Prescription

How people do depends on how they expect to do. Ben recommends asking about previous exercise experiences, what worked and what did not, how patients view exercise as treatment, and what they expect from therapy. Expectations that are too high can leave people dissatisfied, while expectations that are too low undermine the process. Research suggests that roughly 50 to 70% of prescribed exercise does not get done. A study of home exercise for neck and back pain found adherence was better when exercise fit the daily routine, people had time, reminders and emotional support, and felt capable. Therapists helped by clarifying doubts, supervising exercises, asking about home practice and explaining why each exercise matters. A 2017 review of adherence strategies highlights exercise prescription: few exercises, little time needed, built into daily life, matched to available equipment, personalized and fun. It also points to education, motivation and collaborative goals. Ben's conclusion is that exercise should be an individualized prescription, not a protocol.