Australian fitness professionals' level of interest in engaging with high health-risk population subgroups: findings from a national survey
Article
Article Title | Australian fitness professionals' level of interest in engaging with high health-risk population subgroups: findings from a national survey |
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ERA Journal ID | 13765 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Bennie, J. A. (Author), Thomas, G. (Author), Wiesner, G. H. (Author), van Uffelen, J. G. Z. (Author), Khan, A. (Author), Kolbe-Alexander, T. (Author), Vergeer, I. (Author) and Biddle, S. J. H. (Author) |
Journal Title | Public Health |
Journal Citation | 160, pp. 108-115 |
Number of Pages | 8 |
Year | 2018 |
Publisher | Elsevier |
Place of Publication | United Kingdom |
ISSN | 0033-3506 |
1476-5616 | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2018.03.035 |
Web Address (URL) | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S003335061830132X?via%3Dihub |
Abstract | Objectives: Fitness industry professionals (personal trainers, group instructors) may have a role in health promotion, particularly when working with subgroups with known health risks (e.g. older adults, obese). The aim of this study is to examine fitness professionals' level of interest in engaging with high-risk populations. Study design: Cross-sectional evaluation of a national survey. Methods: In 2014, 9100 Australian registered exercise professionals were invited to complete an online survey. Respondents reported their level of interest in engaging with nine healthrisk population subgroups. A multivariable logistic regression analysis assessed the odds of being classified as having a ‘low level’ of interest in training high health-risk subgroups, adjusting for demographic and fitness industryerelated factors. Results: Of 1185 respondents (aged 17e72 years), 31.1% reported having a ‘high level’ of interest in training high health-risk subgroups. The highest level of interest was among ‘obese clients’ and ‘adults (18e64 years) with chronic health conditions’. In the adjusted analysis, males (odds ratio [OR], 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06e2.25) and those in urban settings (OR, 2.26, 95% CI: 1.54e3.37) were more likely to have a ‘low level’ of interest. Conclusions: Fitness professionals have a modest level of interest in training high healthrisk subgroups. In addition to the development of strategies to increase interest, research should examine whether fitness professionals are able to safely prescribe exercise to high health-risk subgroups. |
Keywords | physical activity; health behaviours; epidemiology; fitness trainers |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 420799. Sports science and exercise not elsewhere classified |
Public Notes | Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions. |
Byline Affiliations | Institute for Resilient Regions |
Victoria University | |
University of Queensland | |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q4x03/australian-fitness-professionals-level-of-interest-in-engaging-with-high-health-risk-population-subgroups-findings-from-a-national-survey
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