What describes therapeutic exercise?

Therapeutic exercise specifically refers to exercises that are designed and implemented as part of a rehabilitation program to restore function, improve mobility, and enhance overall physical condition. These exercises are tailored to the individual’s specific needs and goals, often after an injury or surgery, and aim to promote healing, strength, endurance, and flexibility.

In contrast, physical activity that is purely for enjoyment does not typically have a rehabilitative goal and is more about leisure and recreation. Any exercise recommended for fitness may include a broad range of activities that do not necessarily target rehabilitation. Activities performed to test athletic ability focus on assessing skill or performance rather than on recovery or functional improvement. Therefore, the focus on rehabilitation in the context of therapeutic exercise makes it the most accurate description among the choices provided.