Recent Changes to ACSM Guidelines - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[jeff]

Two recent changes regarding ACSM guidelines have ocurred, and I am wondering if ACSM has changed their current CPT exam to reflect this.

One is that Waist to Hip Ratio is no longer being used as a risk factor for CAD because recent studies show that the evidence is weak that it is a predictor of CAD.

The other is that individuals who are classified as Moderate Risk were once recommended (it has not even been changed in the study guide given to me at the ACSM workshop that I just attended) to receive a medically supervised exercise test before engaging in vigorous exercise defined by >60% VO2R.

My understanding is that ACSM realized that there are so many people in the Moderate risk category and that it is unrealistic that these people have a GXT test performed for them to engage in exercise at the level greater than fast walking or a light jog.

Would anyone care to comment on either of tese recent developments?

Jeff

[Christina]

Jeff, you could send them an email and ask. It may take them a few days to respond but they eventually will. Also, realistically, how many questions on this topic will be on the exam? Maybe 1 or 2? I wouldn't get too hung up about it.

When are you taking the exam? You sound really prepared.

Christina

[jeff]

I see where they removed Waist to Hip ratio as a risk factot in ACSM 3rd edition of Resources for the Perosnal Fitness Trainer;however, I cannot find it anywhere about moderate risk clients not needing a GXT for vigorius exercise.

So I believe I must of misunderstood our instructor. What she may have said is that trainers are just accepeting medical clearance for moderate risk clients to exercise at a VO2 greater than 60 percent without an actual GXT being performed which is far as I can see is against the current guidelines if ACSM has not changed them.

Thanks, Christina, I do intend to email ACSM. Would anyone else care to weigh in on this one?