Bennie Jason A, Wiesner Glen H, van Uffelen Jannique G Z, Harvey Jack T, Craike Melinda J, Biddle Stuart J H
Physically Active Lifestyles Group (USQ PALs), Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Australia; Active Living and Public Health Program, Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL), Victoria University, Australia.
Active Living and Public Health Program, Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL), Victoria University, Australia.
J Sci Med Sport. 2018 Apr;21(4):433-438. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2017.07.010. Epub 2017 Jul 14.
Assessment and monitoring of client health and fitness is a key part of fitness professionals' practices. However, little is known about prevalence of this practice. This study describes the assessment/monitoring practices of a large sample of Australian fitness professionals.
Cross-sectional.
In 2014, 1206 fitness professionals completed an online survey. Respondents reported their frequency (4 point-scale: [1] 'never' to [4] 'always') of assessment/monitoring of eight health and fitness constructs (e.g. body composition, aerobic fitness). This was classified as: (i) 'high' ('always' assessing/monitoring ≥5 constructs); (ii) 'medium' (1-4 constructs); (iii) 'low' (0 constructs). Classifications are reported by demographic and fitness industry characteristics. The odds of being classified as a 'high assessor/monitor' according to social ecological correlates were examined using a multiple-factor logistic regression model.
Mean age of respondents was 39.3 (±11.6) years and 71.6% were female. A total of 15.8% (95% CI: 13.7%-17.9%) were classified as a 'high' assessor/monitor. Constructs with the largest proportion of being 'always' assessed were body composition (47.7%; 95% CI: 45.0%-50.1%) and aerobic fitness (42.5%; 95% CI: 39.6%-45.3%). Those with the lowest proportion of being 'always' assessed were balance (24.0%; 95% CI: 24.7%-26.5%) and mental health (20.2%; 95% CI: 18.1%-29.6%). A perceived lack of client interest and fitness professionals not considering assessing their responsibility were associated with lower odds of being classified as a 'high assessor/monitor'.
Most fitness professionals do not routinely assess/monitor client fitness and health. Key factors limiting client health assessment and monitoring include a perceived lack of client interest and professionals not considering this their role.
