title: Evidence-based risk recommendations for best practices in the training of qualified exercise professionals working with clinical populations.
abstract: This systematic review examines critically "best practices" in the training of qualified exercise professionals. Particular attention is given to the core competencies and educational requirements needed for working with clinical populations. Relevant information was obtained by a systematic search of 6 electronic databases, cross-referencing, and through the authors' knowledge of the area. The level and grade of the available evidence was established. A total of 52 articles relating to best practices and (or) core competencies in clinical exercise physiology met our eligibility criteria. Overall, current literature supports the need for qualified exercise professionals to possess advanced certification and education in the exercise sciences, particularly when dealing with "at-risk" populations. Current literature also substantiates the safety and effectiveness of exercise physiologist supervised stress testing and training in clinical populations.
authors.affiliation: Cardiovascular Physiology and Rehabilitation Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. darren.warburton@ubc.ca
authors.forename: Darren E R
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Warburton
authors.forename: Shannon S D
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Bredin
authors.forename: Sarah A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Charlesworth
authors.forename: Heather J A
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Foulds
authors.forename: Don C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: McKenzie
authors.forename: Roy J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Shephard
mesh_terms: D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards; D019985:Benchmarking; D002983:Clinical Competence; D032921:Consensus; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D003663:Decision Trees; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards; D006304:Health Status; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D009043:Motor Activity; D010809:Physical Fitness; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards