A student recovering from a knee injury has medical clearance to engage in physical education. Which of the following modifications is recommended for cardiovascular activities?

Modifying cardiovascular activities for a student recovering from a knee injury involves ensuring that the exercises do not put undue stress on the affected joint while still allowing for participation in physical education. Excusing the student from exercises that involve jumps is an appropriate modification because jumping can exert significant force on the knees, increasing the risk of re-injury or exacerbating existing conditions. This approach allows the student to engage in cardiovascular activities that are less impactful on the knee, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, which can be effective for maintaining cardiovascular fitness without the risks associated with more strenuous movements.

The other options do not adequately safeguard the student's recovery. Allowing the student to choose from a list of exercises might lead those choices to include high-impact activities, which could hinder their healing process. Refraining from any activities until complete healing can lead to disuse and a lack of physical conditioning, negatively impacting their overall fitness when they eventually return to full activity. Allowing the student to assess peers in cardiovascular activities, while an engaging role, does not contribute to their physical recovery and limits their opportunity for active participation. Thus, the most appropriate modification is the one that thoughtfully accounts for the injury while promoting healthy engagement in physical activity.