Chapter 2 Fitness and Prescription Assessment

recommended sequence of evaluation

- informed consent - exercise preparticipation health screening - health history - CV risk factor analysis

PAR-Q+

Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire

medical and CV screening provides valuable information for

designing individualized exercise programs to lower or reduce known health risks.

what is a PAR-Q+ form?

self-reported medical history or health risk appraisal should be done for all individuals wishing to initiate a physical activity program.

informed consent

should ensure that individuals know and understand the purpose(s) and risks associated with screening, assessment, and the exercise program.

Preparticipation Health Screening

-Informed Consent -Self- guided -ACSM Algorithm- Interview by professional method -Risk Stratification (non-clinical)

Algorithm components

Classifying individuals who do or do not currently participate in regular exercise Identifying individuals with known CV, metabolic, or renal diseases or those with signs or symptoms suggestive of cardiac, peripheral vascular, or cerebrovascular disease, Types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), and renal disease Identifying desired exercise intensity

Risk Stratification for Individuals in Cardiac Rehabilitation and Medical Fitness Facilities

Exercise professionals working with individuals with known CVD in exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation and medical fitness settings are advised to use more in-depth risk stratification procedures.

Self-Guided Methods

PAR-Q+

The need for medical clearance before initiating or progressing exercise programming is determined using the ACSM screening algorithm

Self-guided screenings can be an acceptable substitute for this method.

If indicated during screening, medical clearance should be sought from an appropriate health care provider.

The manner of clearance should be determined by the clinical judgment and discretion of the health care provider.

ACSM no longer recommends the inclusion of exercise testing for medical clearance.

This recommendation better aligns with evidence that exercise testing is a poor predictor of acute cardiac events in asymptomatic individuals.

The informed consent should be verbally described,

and the individual be given every chance to ask questions before signing.

Signs or symptoms to look for

ankle edema, palpitation, intermittent claudication dizziness or syncope, shortness of breath, shortness of breath, dyspnea, pain or discomfort

American College of Sports Medicine Pre participation Screening Algorithim

is designed to identify individuals at risk for CV complications during or immediately after aerobic exercise.

Medical history and CV risk factor analysis are not

part of the preparticipation health screening procedures for the purpose of reducing acute risk.

Medical and CV screening may also

uncover a need for other health or medical referrals.