The use of the microcomputer in fitness assessment and exercise prescription for the older adult.

The process outlined in this paper points to the fact that fitness assessment and exercise prescription is largely an information management task. The gap between existing knowledge and its practical application to the care of patients can be successfully closed by using modern information services. For health professionals, moving into the computer age will be an evolutionary, continuing education process. For clinical practice to reach its full potential, there must be an improvement in methods of handling information. The microcomputer offers an innovative way of providing the clinician with a practical, inexpensive manner of information management that will lead to improved efficiency, safety, and lower health care cost and at the same time provide patient satisfaction. Microcomputer applications in fitness assessment, dietary analysis and exercise prescription for the elderly are presented.