As a leader in the world of exercise prescription, UConn frequently makes headlines for revolutionizing how exercise is prescribed and implemented.
Check this page regularly to stay up-to-date on the positive impact these efforts are having on the local community and beyond.
Application Deadlines
Summer Deadline: May 4
Fall Deadline: July 20
Spring Deadline (MS Only): December 7
Martial Arts, Cancer, and the Degree Program that Helps Patients Heal Through Exercise (2025)
UConn's online Exercise Prescription program, led by Dr. Pescatello, is spotlighted for its innovative approach to patient recovery. The curriculum is noted for helping patients, including those with cancer, use exercise modalities like martial arts to heal.
UConn Experts Propose Sweeping Changes to Exercise Guidelines: Why You Don’t Need Permission to Get Moving (2025)
UConn faculty are advocating for significant revisions to exercise participation guidelines, calling for the easing of medical clearance requirements. They argue that current barriers prevent participation, even among high-risk populations who could benefit most.
A Legacy of Research, Mentorship, and Leadership in Exercise Science: Linda S. Pescatello (2025)
This ACSM blog post honors Dr. Linda S. Pescatello's distinguished career, highlighting her profound leadership, mentorship, and research impact on the field of exercise science during Women's History Month.
National Media Coverage: TIME Magazine Analyzes ChatGPT Workout Plans (2025)
Dr. Pescatello's expertise gained national media attention in a TIME Magazine article evaluating the efficacy and safety of workout plans generated by ChatGPT. The coverage stresses the critical role of seeking expert input in the age of AI fitness.
Can Chat GPT Get You Fit? Our Expert Put it to the Test (2025)
In an article in the UK’s The Times, Peta Bee tries out an AI chatbot’s workout advice for herself—with mixed results.
Are ChatGPT Exercise Recommendations Just What the Doctor Ordered? New Study Evaluates AI vs. Expert Tool (2024)
A UConn-led study rigorously compares ChatGPT's exercise recommendations with those of the P3-EX clinical decision tool. The research provides valuable insight into the reliability of AI for personalized exercise prescription.
Research Shows Increasing Steps by 3,000 Per Day Can Lower Blood Pressure in Older Adults (2023)
New findings on hypertension and physical activity reveal a simple, effective strategy: older adults who increase their daily step count by 3,000 steps can achieve a clinically significant reduction in blood pressure.
UConn, Hartford Hospital Collaboration Highlights Need for Better Research on Exercise After Bariatric Surgery (2023)
A collaborative effort featuring an Exercise Prescription program alum demonstrates the critical need for more robust research to establish effective, safe exercise protocols for patients following bariatric surgery.
Meet the Researcher: Linda Pescatello, CAHNR (2022)
This career profile offers an in-depth look at Dr. Linda Pescatello, a key faculty member in CAHNR, and highlights her ongoing research and the pivotal role of the P3-EX tool in her work.
Student Applies Exercise Prescription Knowledge to Help Others (2022)
This student spotlight features an Exercise Prescription program student successfully applying the curriculum's specialized knowledge to positively impact the health and wellness of others in their community.
Professor Linda Pescatello – Featured in UConn Today Article (2022)
The Exercise Prescription program receives recognition as its lead professor, Dr. Linda Pescatello, is profiled in a UConn Today article, underscoring the program's growing visibility and leadership.
Innovative Decision Support System for Individualized Exercise Prescription Launches (2021)
This piece introduces the P3-EX tool, which enables physicians, healthcare providers, and exercise professionals to create personalized exercise plans that enhance patient health.
P3-EX: Individualized Exercise Prescription – Program Webpage Introduction (2021)
This introductory piece officially announces the P3-EX tool and its capabilities, explaining how the program uses a personalized approach to deliver tailored exercise prescriptions.
Faculty Introduction: Linda S. Pescatello (2021)
A focused faculty spotlight introduces Dr. Linda S. Pescatello and her research background and expertise to students and collaborators within the Exercise Prescription program.
Low Intensity Exercise: Meeting Your Patients Where They Are (2021)
This piece provides practical guidance for clinicians on safely and effectively prescribing low-intensity workout plans, ensuring patients can engage regardless of their fitness level.
Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Helps Get Patients with Hypertension Moving, Study Finds (2019)
Clinical research indicates that engaging patients with hypertension in blood pressure self-monitoring significantly correlates with an increase in their physical activity levels.
Study: Yoga Breathing and Relaxation Effectively Lower Blood Pressure (2019)
Research emerging from the Exercise Prescription Program suggests that specific techniques like yoga, breathing, and relaxation can serve as an effective non-pharmacological strategy for reducing high blood pressure.
Meet the Researcher: Beth Taylor, Kinesiology (2019)
A faculty profile introduces Beth Taylor, Ph.D., detailing her research focus and contributions within the Kinesiology department and to the broader field of exercise science.
CCEI’s 2019 Entrepreneurship Summer Fellowship Champs (2019)
The P3-EX startup team, including business student Michael DaCosta, is recognized for participating in the CCEI's fellowship, highlighting the program's interdisciplinary entrepreneurial spirit.
Move More, Sit Less – Great Advice, But How Can We Make Time for Exercise? (2018)
Dr. Pescatello addresses common challenges in adopting healthy habits and offers strategies to help people integrate the Physical Activity Guidelines into their busy daily lives.
Distinguished Professor of Kinesiology States Exercise Is the Future of Treating Chronic Disease (2018)
Dr. Pescatello emphasizes the growing national consensus on the role of exercise as a primary treatment strategy for managing chronic diseases.
UConn Expert Contributes to National Physical Activity Guidelines Team (2018)
Dr. Pescatello is recognized for her essential role as a member of the expert panel that developed the 2018 National Physical Activity Guidelines, solidifying UConn’s influence on national health recommendations.
Lifting Spirits Doesn’t Require Many Reps: Study on PA Intensity and Well-Being (2017)
Research on the relationship between physical activity (PA) intensity and subjective well-being concludes that even low-intensity exercise can be highly effective in improving a person's mood and outlook.