SISFFIT028
Apply evidence-based practice to exercise programs


Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to source and evaluate evidence for contemporary exercise programs and apply findings to the prescription of exercise.

It requires the ability to identify, analyse, synthesise and action data from relevant information sources to plan and implement current approaches supported by evidence.

This unit applies to advanced personal trainers who typically work autonomously in controlled and uncontrolled fitness environments. Work is performed according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Plan information gathering.

1.1 Identify opportunities where research may be used to support and improve own professional practice.

1.2 Evaluate recent issues, trends, and events impacting fitness industry and exercise programming.

1.3 Identify appropriate research methodology to address research topic, type of data collection and analysis to be undertaken and potential uses of data.

1.4 Identify credible primary and secondary sources of information.

2. Research and analyse information.

2.1 Access and analyse suitable evidence-based information and data for required information.

2.2 Facilitate analysis by organising information in a way that supports analysis and future use.

2.3 Compare and contrast different sources of information to support analysis.

2.4 Assess strength, relevance, reliability and currency of information in the context of own work.

2.5 Assess feasibility, benefits and risks associated with the information.

2.6 Extract relevant information and integrate into development and modification of exercise strategies.

3. Apply research findings to own professional practice.

3.1 Assess ways in which research findings may be used, adapted or challenged in instruction and provision of fitness advice.

3.2 Modify approach to fitness programing activities and advice as required.

3.3 Monitor response to changes made to own professional practice or instruction.

3.4 Continue to adjust own practice to optimise results.

3.5 Maintain records of research findings and application to exercise.

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:

source, evaluate and apply relevant evidence-based information in at least five contemporary exercise programs, incorporating:

different issues related to meeting health and fitness goals of clients

documented comparison of evidence presented by two sources and evaluation of credibility and validity of data, including the checking of references and assessment of usefulness for each

modification of at least two exercise programs to meet short and long-term client goals

principles and models of evidence-based practice

suitable technology

at least ten of the following relevant established and reputable primary and secondary sources of information:

clinical research studies

peer reviewed medical, allied health and/or complementary medicine journals

reference texts

peer reviewed conference presentations

other journals

abstracts

popular media (magazines, newsletters, books)

other conferences and presentations

internet

surveys

annual public health reports

existing epidemiological and socio-demographic data

position statements

scientific review

epidemiological observation studies

cohort studies

controlled trials.


Evidence of Knowledge

Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:

current evidence-based exercise programs or activities to meet the needs of clients with goals related to improving health and skill related components of fitness

research strategies and techniques to source evidence based information and data

recent issues and events affecting the industry and exercise programming

relevant reference works

established and reputable sources of information:

Sports Medicine Australia

Australian Physiotherapy Association

National Heart Foundation

Dieticians Association of Australia

Exercise and Sports Science Australia

American College of Sports Medicine

American Heart Association

clinical texts

reference works

recognised teachings

data analysis, statistical analysis and methods to justify the use of information for exercise programming

commonly used research methodologies

common terminology used in medical, allied health and complementary medicine research

reasons for undertaking research:

comparison

hypothesis testing

trend identification

own knowledge extension

to strengthen quality of own practice

sources of information, including established information:

books

journals

surveys

annual public health reports

existing epidemiological and socio-demographic data

current published research within own area of practice

principles and models of evidence-based practice:

rules of evidence

duty of care requirements associated with evidence-based practice

difference between evidence-based practice, continuous quality improvement and research

ways to evaluate the validity of information sources

cultural and ethical considerations for research

processes that support analysis of information and how to use them:

comparing

contrasting

challenging

reflecting

distinguishing relevant from irrelevant

drawing interdisciplinary connections.


Assessment Conditions

Skills must be demonstrated in:

a fitness industry workplace or simulated environment that offers a variety of fitness services and facilities for clients.

Assessment must ensure access to:

organisational policies and procedures relevant to using research to support and improve professional practice.

Assessment must ensure use of:

suitable technology for the research processes

established and reputable primary and secondary sources of information

planning and evaluation templates with space for inclusion of evidence-based improvements to professional practice

clients; these can be:

clients in an industry workplace, or

individuals who participate in role plays or simulated activities, set up for the purpose of assessment, in a simulated industry environment operated within a training organisation.

Assessment activities that allow the individual to:

demonstrate ability to incorporate evidence based information into contemporary exercise programs, catering for:

beginners, intermediate and advanced participants

low and high impact.

Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisation’s requirements for assessors, and:

have achieved a Diploma of Fitness or above; and

have at least 2 years consecutive post qualification fitness industry experience in the application of the skills and knowledge of the Diploma of Fitness.


Foundation Skills

Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement.

SKILLS

DESCRIPTION

Reading skills to:

interpret and critically analyse data from research sites and primary and secondary information texts

apply appropriate strategies to construct relevant meaning from research findings

organise, evaluate and critique ideas and information from a range of complex texts.

Writing skills to:

integrate research findings into contemporary exercise programs, using appropriate vocabulary, grammar and conventions.

Numeracy skills to:

extract and evaluate relevant mathematical information and data embedded within information sources

recognise statistical terminology and understand the significance of common statistical analysis.

Learning skills to:

continue with self-directed learning to ensure exercise management strategies implemented are relevant to current research findings.

Problem-solving skills to:

extract relevant information from research findings and integrate into development and modification of contemporary exercise strategies.

Self-management skills to:

maintain currency of exercise management strategies

continually access, evaluate and apply research literature suitable to client needs.

Technology skills to:

access, organise and update research findings.


Sectors

Fitness


Competency Field

Fitness