What is the process called that involves a health assessment requiring medical clearance before starting an exercise program?

The process referred to in the question is known as prescreening. This is a critical step undertaken to evaluate an individual's health status before embarking on a new exercise program. It typically involves a series of assessments that focus on medical history, current health conditions, and risk factors related to physical activity. The primary aim of prescreening is to identify any potential health issues that could pose a risk during exercise, allowing for a safer and more personalized approach to beginning an exercise routine.

In the context of exercise, prescreening ensures that individuals receive the appropriate medical clearance, which helps in addressing their specific health needs and mitigating the risk of injury or adverse health events. This process is particularly important for individuals with known health conditions, those who have been sedentary, or older adults who may have age-related health considerations.

While options like preexercise evaluation, fitness assessment, and health screening all relate to health and fitness, they either do not emphasize the requirement for medical clearance or pertain to different aspects of health assessment rather than specifically the prescreening process prior to beginning an exercise program.