title: Benefits of the CSCS Credential to the Physical Therapist: A Descriptive Study.
abstract: The Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential is intended to demonstrate expertise in strength and conditioning principles and implementation of this knowledge into training for performance enhancement. There is a lack of evidence regarding the value of the CSCS in physical therapist (PT) practice. The purpose of this study was to discern perceived benefits of the CSCS in physical therapists. Methodology for this descriptive study included administration of a cross-sectional, online survey to physical therapists holding the CSCS credential. The survey was administered online over 5 months and consisted of 14 multiple choice and Likert scale questions. Results indicated that 136 participants completed the survey with a 32.1% response rate. Exactly 53.7% of respondents reported their primary motivation for attaining the CSCS was "To further increase my knowledge base." A majority agreed that the CSCS led to new opportunities in their practice (66.7%), more respect from other therapists (79.3%), and better care provided for patients (77.9%). However, the majority of participants disagreed that the CSCS led to more respect from physicians (66.7%) or an increase in salary (56.7%). Most importantly, 94.1% reported that they would still attain the CSCS credential if they went back in time. The conclusions from this study indicate that there are perceived benefits in PT's who hold the CSCS credential. The findings from this study may positively affect the decisional balance in PT's who are considering acquiring the CSCS credential in the future, though results should be interpreted cautiously due to the relatively low response rate.
authors.affiliation: Indiana State University, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Department of Applied Medicine & Rehabilitation Harris Health System, Quentin Mease Community Hospital, Outpatient Rehabilitation Services Houston Methodist St. John Hospital, Department of Sports Medicine Concept Physical Therapy.
authors.forename: Howell E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Tapley
authors.forename: Erendira
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fonseca
authors.forename: Stacie H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Fontanilla
authors.forename: Amy M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Gremillion