Journal of Physical Education and Sports Management

Adherence to ACSM’s Pre-Activity Screening Procedures in Fitness Facilities: a National Investigation
Aaron C. Craig, Ph.D.; JoAnn Eickhoff-Shemek, Ph.D., FACSM

Abstract
Background:No previous studies have conducted a comprehensive investigation to determine if fitness facilities are adhering to pre-activity screening procedurespublished by the ACSM. The major purpose of this study was to obtain adherence rates to basic screening practices and detailedscreening practices in ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription(GETP). Methods:A web-based survey was e-mailed from the ACSM certification office toACSM certified Health Fitness Specialists in the U.S. (n = 9,433). Of these, 1,246 (13%) responded. Data were analyzed using both quantitative (descriptive statistics, chi-square) and qualitative(grounded theory) analyses.Results:The adherence rate for a basic screening practice (requiringparticipantsto complete a screening device)was 73%. When these data were compared among six fitness settings, the adherence rate (93%) for hospital/clinical settings wassignificantly higher (P< 0.006) than all other settings.Of the facilities following the GETPpractices, adherence rates were > 87% for inclusion of specified criteria on the screening device but only 62% of these facilities used these data to classify individuals into risk categories.Conclusions:Adherence rates for some ACSM screening practiceswere considered highbut improvement is needed in most fitness settings.Recommendations to increase adherenceare described.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jpesm.v2n2a9