Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PARQ)
Given that a large percentage of the population are likely to suffer from some kind of ailment, how do personal trainers minimize risk to a given client?
One standard practice is the use of a health screen, such as the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q or PAR-Q+), created by The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP). This is a form that checks whether a client should consult a doctor before participating in exercise.
Similar to the PAR-Q, another health screen is the Adult Pre-Screening System (APSS), created by Exercise and Sports Science Australia.
If a client answers ‘no’ to all questions on the PAR-Q, they are cleared for low-moderate intensity physical activity, and may then continue with high-intensity activity.
If they answer ‘yes’, the trainer should use professional judgement to decide whether medical advice is required. If the judgement is to refer, this should be communicated sensitively, and without being swayed by an overly enthusiastic client. The reasons for referral should also be documented in a letter outlining:
Date
Client name and address
Personal Trainer name, qualifications and contact details
General Practitioner (GP) name and address
Reason for referral
Action to be taken (referral into GP’s care for further guidance)
Requested follow-up action (permission or clearance to engage in physical activity from the GP)
Follow-up from trainer to discuss the outcome of the referral.
Name and signature
The result of a referral with be either:
The GP provides permission or clearance, perhaps with some contraindications.
The GP recommends guidance from a personal trainer qualified in exercise referral.
The GP refers the client to a different medical expert for further guidance or treatment.
Throughout this process, the trainer or coach should always work within the scope of their practice, keep accurate records, and maintain confidentiality.
