Laboratory Assessment and Exercise Prescription

Book excerpt: Laboratory Assessment and Exercise Prescription With HKPropel Online Video provides the practical knowledge and application skills for administering, interpreting, and applying data from health and fitness testing to create data-backed exercise prescription for clients. Focusing on the tests most widely used by professionals working in health, fitness, and allied health, the text covers both clinical and field tests so readers will be able to conduct assessments using a wide range of equipment and resources. Because the content is consistent with ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, Eleventh Edition, both current and aspiring professionals can be assured they're using the most up-to-date methods and information available to best serve individual client needs and goals. Each lab demonstrates applications for the screenings and tests presented, with straightforward instructions for performing the assessment and collecting accurate data—both in the lab and when working with actual clients. Readers will learn about common errors made in assessments and will find out how to interpret results to assist clients in setting realistic health and fitness goals. Finally, readers will understand how the results of assessment will affect exercise program design and will learn how to combine data and client goals to design and prescribe an individualized exercise program. The book begins by taking the reader through the groundwork of working with clients and giving the reader experience with preparticipation screenings and basic fitness assessments. Next, assessment of body composition is addressed, along with assessment of resting metabolic rate, metabolic equations, and the application of those calculations within an exercise program. Aerobic and muscular fitness assessments are presented, followed by assessment of clinical variables, including pulmonary function testing, basic electrocardiography, and functional fitness testing. Two appendices cover common classes of medications (and how these medications may affect the exercise response) and basic emergency procedures for exercise physiology labs. Eleven case studies are also included, providing practical experience with interpreting data and designing an exercise program for a client. Related online video, delivered through HKPropel, demonstrates select assessments to improve comprehension of how to apply the content and develop skills for use with clients. Laboratory Assessment and Exercise Prescription is the essential guide for those studying for a fitness certification as well as for current health and fitness professionals who want a handy reference for testing. It offers the direction and understanding needed to accurately conduct exercise testing; analyze, interpret, and communicate data; and ultimately prescribe effective and safe exercise programs for clients. Note: A code for accessing online videos is included with this ebook.