The Legacy of Dr. Roy Shephard: Canada’s New Risk Stratification Strategy and Clinical Exercise Prescription Guidelines

Abstract

Dr. Roy Shephard is regarded widely as the leading authority in the exercise sciences and health promotion. His influence is legendary, including in the promotion of the health benefits of physical activity for those living with chronic disease and disability. His esteem within the field has in large part affected the way in which the medical community accepted exercise science as a viable and essential therapeutic intervention. His research challenged directly theories that were held to be true, demonstrating clearly the need for exercise in the effective secondary and tertiary care of chronic disease. The result of his influence can be measured directly by the establishment of clinical exercise rehabilitation programs across Canada (and the world) for a variety of chronic conditions. His work also highlighted the clear need for clinical practice guidelines for various chronic conditions. The development of Canada’s new clinical exercise guidelines is in large part owing to the pioneering work of Dr. Shephard. His work on the new risk stratification strategy (i.e., the PAR-Q+ and ePARmed-X+) and related clinical guidelines reflect his continued influence and importance to the field. All exercise scientists and young Canadian academics owe an enormous amount of gratitude to Dr. Shephard for his vision, dedication, innovation, and compassion for others.