Can the APSS tool be pulled apart (i.e. so we can use the parts we like, and edit the rest to our own preferences)?
You can add additional questions that you might ask a new client (e.g. client contact information, risk warnings/disclaimer statements or other information collected for the purposes of delivering your services). However, the questions and the process of the APSS must be used in their entirety, as they are in the tool, and must be referenced appropriately (Exercise and Sports Science Australia, AUSactive, Sports Medicine Australia and Exercise is Medicine Australia, 2019).
The reason for this is that they are evidence based and have been carefully designed to elicit client responses that will uncover health risks that might contra-indicate exercise and which require further guidance from a medical or allied health professional. Using only part of one of the stages or altering the intended process may prevent accurate risk factor calculation and risk assessment which could lead to unsafe and unsuitable exercise prescription and advice.
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What are the qualification requirements for delivering Stage 2 of the APSS tool?
The APSS user guide stipulates that Stage 2 be “administered by a qualified exercise professional (Minimum Certificate III in fitness with completion of screening and assessment units SISFFIT301A and SISFFIT307A)”. SISFITT301A – Provide fitness ...
How does the APSS apply for casual gym & casual swim clients?
Stage 1 of the APSS tool is the compulsory stage, and so is expected to be used for all casual gym visits (either using gym facilities or participating in a group exercise class) to ensure businesses and professionals are meeting their duty of care ...
What is Pre Exercise Screening?
Pre-exercise screening is used to identify people who may have medical conditions that put them at a higher risk of an adverse event during physical activity/exercise. It’s a filter or ‘safety net’ to help determine if the potential benefits of ...
Why do I need to undertake pre-exercise screening with my clients?
Pre-exercise screening enables exercise professionals to gather information about the state of health or disease of a person, to help reduce the possibility of a problem occurring during exercise. There are no guarantees that an adverse event might ...
How should I manage record keeping of client pre-exercise screening results?
In line with health and medical records, the APSS results should be kept on file for 7 years. The length of time that client APSS results remain “current” greatly depends on the results. If the client is considered low-moderate risk (i.e. does not ...