Exercise Training in High-Risk Populations

Updated: July 09, 2026

Senior male smiling exercising on stationary bike in a gym
  • Although the health-related benefits of higher fitness and exercise training in both healthy individuals and patients with major comorbidities are widely recognized, participation in regular exercise and exercise training (ET) remains underutilized, especially in high-risk individuals.
  • Certain high-risk populations, such as those with frailty, stroke, spinal cord injury, rheumatologic conditions, genetic cardiomyopathies, or recipients of advanced heart failure therapies or cardiac implantable electronic devices, warrant special considerations with regard to ET.
  • The current Scientific Statement summarizes the present state and future directions of ET for specific high-risk populations, including their functional deficits, training modifications required to maximize efficacy and safety, and important knowledge gaps in this field.