Strength and Conditioning Principles in Healthcare – Lessons for Coaches and Clinicians
by Jack Russek, MPH, CSCS
NSCA Coach
October 2026
Vol 13, Issue 3
This article discusses how strength and conditioning coaches can improve communication with healthcare professionals and apply shared concepts across performance and health settings.
Paywall block issue
This article is not configured properly for members or paid content.
isMemberOnly: {{isMemberOnly}} | isPaidContent: {{isPaidContent}}
spc: One or more parts of the product SPC is missing.
Read the full article
View the video
Login to view more
{{discountDesc}} Valid thru {{discountEnds}}
This {{ogType == 'video.other' ? 'video':'article'}} is available with a NSCA membership
or can be purchased for {{prices}}
or can be purchased. Price range: {{prices}}
Price includes membership pricing and promotions
This {{ogType == 'video.other' ? 'video':'article'}} can be purchased for {{prices}}
Price includes membership pricing and promotions
Purchase this {{ogType == 'video.other' ? 'video':'article'}}. Price range: {{prices}}
Price range includes membership pricing and promotions
This article originally appeared in NSCA Coach, a quarterly publication for NSCA Members that provides valuable takeaways for every level of strength and conditioning coach. You can find scientifically based articles specific to a wide variety of your athletes’ needs with Nutrition, Programming, and Youth columns. Read more articles from NSCA Coach »
REFERENCES
1. Chaput, JP, Dutil, C, Featherstone, R, Ross, R, Giangregorio, L, Saunders, TJ, et al. Sleep duration and health in adults: An overview of systematic reviews. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism 45(10): S218-S231, 2020.
2. Collado-Mateo, D, Lavín-Pérez, AM, Peñacoba, C, Del Coso, J, Leyton-Román, M, Luque-Casado, A, et al. Key factors associated with adherence to physical exercise in patients with chronic diseases and older adults: An umbrella review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health18(4): 2023.
3. Cunningham, C, O’ Sullivan, R, Caserotti, P, and Tully, MA. Consequences of physical inactivity in older adults: A systematic review of reviews and meta-analyses. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports30(5): 816-827, 2020.
4. Fragala, MS, Cadore, EL, Dorgo, S, Izquierdo, M, Kraemer, WJ, Peterson, MD, and Ryan, ED. Resistance training for older adults: Position statement from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 33(8): 2019-2052, 2019.
5. Fryar, CD, Afful, J, and Saif, NT. Prevalence of overweight, obesity, and severe obesity among adults age 20 and older: United States, 1960–1962 through August 2021–August 2023. NCHS Health E-Stat 111. 2026. Retrieved 2026 from https://doi. org/10.15620/cdc/174643.
6. Liu, CJ, and Latham, NK. Progressive resistance strength training for improving physical function in older adults. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 3: 2759, 2009.
7. Mangone, M, Marinelli, E, Santilli, G, Finanore, N, Agostini, F, Santilli, V, et al. Gait analysis advancements: Rehabilitation value and new perspectives from forensic application. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences 27(1): 3-12, 2023.
8. Rodríguez-Domínguez, ÁJ, Moral-Munoz, JA, Guzmán-Gómez, JD, Valero-Ortiz, J, González-Gómez, L, and Cardellat-González, M. Does resistance training improve pain intensity, quality of life, and disability in people with chronic nonspecific low back pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Disability and Rehabilitation 48(6): 1532-1545, 2026.
Learn about the benefits of NSCA Membership »
Available to:
Members only
Members only
Audience:
Topics:
Exercise Science Program design Organization and Administration Testing and Evaluation Client Consultation|Assessment Professional Development
Exercise Science Program design Organization and Administration Testing and Evaluation Client Consultation|Assessment Professional Development
Keywords:
Professional Development Patient Care Healthcare, Movement Screening, Recovery, Strength Coach, Performance, Exercise Progression Healthcare, Movement Screening, Recovery, Strength Coach, Performance, Exercise Progression
Professional Development Patient Care Healthcare, Movement Screening, Recovery, Strength Coach, Performance, Exercise Progression Healthcare, Movement Screening, Recovery, Strength Coach, Performance, Exercise Progression
- Privacy Policy
- Your Privacy Choices
- Terms of Use
- Retraction and Correction Policy
- © 2026 National Strength and Conditioning Association