The training workshop on Prescription and Evaluation of Physical Activity & Exercise in the prevention and management of chronic illness started on Tuesday under the auspices of H.E. Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Saidi, Minister of Health at Grand Millennium Hotel.

the workshop, organized by the Ministry of Health (MOH), represented by the National Diabetes & Endocrine Centre, Clinical Exercise Unit and in collaboration with the Oman Cancer Association, Anglo-Omani society, aims at training the health professionals to prescribe, follow-up, evaluate a safe and feasible lifestyle-program in the primary or secondary prevention of chronic diseases that involves physical activity and exercise training.

The opening ceremony included a welcome speech by Dr. Noor Al Busaidi, Director of the National Diabetes & Endocrine Centre where she stated that the workshop aims at promoting efficiency of healthcare workers in the provision of the prescription of physical activity for patients with chronic diseases and training them on the mechanisms incorporated in the evaluation of the exercise program. Dr. Al Busaidi noted that the workshop is conducted by eight academic experts from the School of Sport & Exercise Sciences at Liverpool John Moores University in the collaboration with the Clinical exercise Unit at the center who will provide the participants with the tools and knowledge regarding Exercise Physiology and its influences on illness control and health improvement. She emphasized that the scientific program of the workshop focus on the practical training aiming at acquiring participants with the needed skills. 

The speech was followed by a keynote presentation given by Prof. Keith George Cardiovascular Physiology and Exercise professor from the School of Sport & Exercise Sciences at Liverpool John Moores University, UK. Prof. George’s presentation focused on the Active Well-Being Project which aims at promoting health, well-being, physical activity, and sport in cities around the world. He recommended that cities should join and look at the initiative as well as to commit to improving sport and physical activity opportunities for all their populations.

The three-day workshop witnessed the participation of health professionals and exercise instructors from Oman.  A team of expert academics from School of Sport and Exercise Sciences at Liverpool John Moores University, UK delivered a state-of-the-art overview of the current knowledge on exercise training and physical activity. The program will also include Theoretical sessions followed by a practical, hands-on sessions. Prior to the inauguration ceremony, several sessions have been conducted during the day that marked the educational, research, and training aspects of physical activity and exercise.