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Knowledge of exercise prescription guidelines among certified exercise professionals
Zachary Zenko1, Panteleimon Ekkekakis
1Department of Kinesiology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
Certified exercise professionals demonstrate low knowledge of American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) exercise prescription guidelines, scoring under 50% on average. This highlights a critical need for improved training and education in exercise science to ensure safe and effective client care.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Science
- Sports Medicine
- Health Education
Background:
- The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) published crucial
- Guidance for prescribing exercise
- in 2011.
- Certified exercise professionals are expected to adhere to these guidelines for safe and effective practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the knowledge of ACSM's 2011 exercise prescription guidelines among certified exercise professionals.
- To identify factors influencing knowledge levels, such as education and job role.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 1,808 certified exercise professionals across the U.S. using an 11-question online questionnaire.
- Assessment of knowledge regarding frequency, duration, and intensity parameters (heart rate, METs, RPE).
- Analysis of results based on demographics, experience, education, and job role.
Main Results:
- Participants answered an average of only 42.87% of questions correctly, indicating widespread knowledge gaps.
- Higher education levels correlated with better guideline knowledge, but no group exceeded 49% correct.
- Self-rated knowledge (7.01/10) was lower than perceived necessary knowledge (8.32/10), suggesting awareness of deficiencies.
Conclusions:
- Current knowledge of ACSM exercise prescription guidelines among certified professionals is insufficient.
- There is a significant need for enhanced training and continuing education to improve adherence to evidence-based practices.
- Improving guideline knowledge is essential for ensuring client safety and optimizing exercise program effectiveness.
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