MEPs have included several chronic diseases in the pathologies that can give rise to a sports prescription.
- About 20 million French people would be affected.
- This expansion was voted on by the deputies as part of the vote on the LREM bill on sport.
- Sport on prescription will not be reimbursed.
Prescription sports take muscle. Set up in 2016, this possibility for doctors to prescribe sport to patients is now being extended to chronic diseases. This expansion was voted on by the deputies as part of the vote on the LREM bill on sport. Sport on prescription will not be reimbursed but may be prescribed by a specialist and no longer only by the attending physician.
20 million people affected
Since 2016, patients who suffer from a long-term condition can benefit from a sports prescription. In total, this covers around thirty pathologies such as disabling stroke, diabetes or multiple sclerosis, and concerns around 10 million people. Since its adoption, this medical possibility has struggled to seduce and, to encourage it, the High Authority for Health published in 2018 a guide for doctors. The latter are also among the exceptions, alongside top athletes and sports students, to be able to practice and access equipment during this epidemic period.
With the new provision, there are now 20 million patients who are likely to be prescribed sport on prescription. Enlargement concerns patients suffering from “chronic diseases and presenting risk factors”. This concerns hypertension, obesity or mental health, especially for those who are victims of depression. Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu said “welcomed the commitment of the various groups on the subject, which made it possible to give a favorable opinion co-constructed with Olivier Véran”.
Sports all his life
According to recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) everyone should, at least, practice a physical activity for 2h30 per week at moderate intensity. Recent studies have shown that practicing physical activity for two minutes at very high intensity would have the same benefits. These activities must be practiced diligently throughout life because its benefits can disappear after two months of inactivity.
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