HNC Fitness, Health & Exercise Health Screening

Purposes of Health Screening It is important to know both the purposes of health screening and the potential difficulties if this information is unavailable. Why?

Identify medical problems/ health risks What purpose does this serve the instructor? Clients must disclose any current issues that may affect their ability to exercise Minimises health risks to client Allow trainer to produce an individualised programme taking issues into account Helps to maximise adherence

Identify medical problems/ health risks What potential difficulties could arise if this information is unavailable? Underlying health issues could be exacerbated High blood pressure Bone joint issues Asthma Etc.

Highlight Contraindications What purpose does this serve the instructor? The instructor must highlight specific contra-indications. Increases client’s awareness of any limitations or dangers of certain health issues Especially if the condition/ health issue is chronic as client will be “used to having it”.

Highlight Contraindications What potential difficulties could arise if this information is unavailable? Specific contra-indications may prevent the client from undertaking certain types of exercise. If not considered incorrect exercises/ intensities may be used which can be extremely dangerous

Establish the client/ trainer relationship What purpose does this serve the instructor? Effective client/ trainer relationship will establish where professional boundaries are: Outline what the trainer can and cannot do Promotes and tries to ensure mutual trust exists. Will help to maximise the effectiveness of any programme

Establish the client/ trainer relationship What potential difficulties could arise if this information is unavailable? Lack of appropriate relations may result in the client or trainer having unrealistic expectations May compromise the integrity of the trainer May lead to adherence issues for the client

Enable Programme Design What purpose does this serve the instructor? Instructors must have an awareness of any barriers, contra-indications or other issues affecting the client as these will allow… Goals and targets to be set Availability to be checked Effective programme to be produced using a holistic approach

Enable Programme Design What potential difficulties could arise if this information is unavailable? Incomplete client information may lead to… Injury Prescription of inappropriate exercise modalities Non achievement of client goals Poor programme adherence Client dropping out of programme altogether

Review Client’s Lifestyle What purpose does this serve the instructor? Instructors who adopt a holistic approach to screening and review their client’s lifestyle… Can offer advice on diet issues Can offer advice on lifestyle issues Can help clients to overcome identified barriers Can help clients to overcome contra-indications

Review Client’s Lifestyle What potential difficulties could arise if this information is unavailable? The programme is unlikely to be successful unless the client buys wholeheartedly into it. Failing to tailor the programme around the client’s lifestyle is likely to negatively impact adherence and the delivery of the programme.

Assess Availability What purpose does this serve the instructor? By assessing the availability of your client you can help client to achieve their goals by… Constructing training sessions of an appropriate duration Programming sessions the fit into client’s lifestyle Programming appropriate rest periods Between sessions Between activities

Assess Availability What potential difficulties could arise if this information is unavailable? If a client is unable to train at certain times it may negatively impact on their programme Equipment availability Facility availability Trainer availability Increase costs

Establish Exercise Preferences What purpose does this serve the instructor? A clear perspective on what the client likes/ dislikes will enable greater programme compliance Targets are more likely to be achieved Client is likely to adhere to closer to programme Enjoyment and effort are likely to increase

Establish Exercise Preferences What potential difficulties could arise if this information is unavailable? Programming activities which the client does not like will have a significant effect on client adherence Reduced effort from client Trainer has to work harder at motivating client Clients may skip activities/ sessions they don’t enjoy Client could potentially leave the programme.

The Screening Process Screening usually takes 2 common forms, both of which have their own advantages and disadvantages. What screening procedures are you aware of? - discuss.

Screening Method 1: the personal interview (consultation) Advantages Higher response rates Open ended questions promote deeper understanding Observation of client behaviour and attitudes Client’s own words recorded Ambiguities can be clarified Clarification can be given re: questions and answers Disadvantages More expensive in terms of time and effort than questionnaires Interviews are not always time bound and can take a long time May be a need to travel to meet client Variations between interviewers re: transcriptions, experience and understanding

Screening Method 2: Questionnaire Disadvantages Standardised format may be too rigid No allowance for explanation of questions Misinterpretation of questions may be common Can generate large amount of data – processing issues Respondents may not answer truthfully or fully Clients may not answer some questions – importance of highlighting informed consent Advantages Responses are gathered in a standardised format – increased objectivity Rapid collection of information Info from multiple individuals simultaneously Quantified data can be used to compare, contrast, and measure change