Introducing the National Strength and Conditioning Association's new Certified Special Population Specialist (CSPS) credential, established in 2012 to address the fitness needs of individuals afflicted by chronic or temporary health conditions.
Evidence suggests a positive relationship between physical activity, exercise, and mental health. Exercise as a treatment modality is now being considered alongside psychotherapeutic and pharmacological approaches, and the role of specifically trained exercise specialists and personal trainers is an important component of the multi-disciplinary team.
Personal trainersExercise SciencePTQpsychologydepression
Learn 7 ways that strength & conditioning professionals can recognize mental health concerns, respond effectively, & provide support while staying within scope.
Personal trainersTSAC FacilitatorsCoachesOrganization and AdministrationSafetyEmergency ProceduresProfessional DevelopmentRecoveryPerformanceFocusmental healthPost Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)DepressionAnxiety
This article discusses what muscle dysmorphia is, the ways in which adolescents can fall victim to it, and how to intervene when body image becomes distorted.
Personal trainersProgram designBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or Diseasestrength and conditioningresistance trainingyouth training guidelineshypertrophymuscle dysmorphia
As the prevalence of disordered eating in sport continues to increase, sports dietitians and all medical personnel must learn to identify it properly and follow evidence-based practice, including sound judgment, when treating athletes with these issues.
CoachesNutritionBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or Diseasefemale athlete triaddieteating disorderssports dietitiansport nutrition
The purpose of this article is to evaluate the leading mindset, behavioral, and psychological factors controlling food intake, as well as, educate professionals on how to assist with developing healthier nutrition practices.
Personal trainersNutritionStressAnxietyDepressionMindsetInfluenceNutrition
To become a Certified Special Population Specialist® (CSPS®), candidates must sit for an exam that will test their knowledge in four areas: Basic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status, Condition, Disorder or Disease; Client Consultation; Program Planning; and Safety, Emergency Procedures and Legal Issues. Exams are hosted in testing centers around the world. Read on to learn more about how the CSPS® exam is structured.
Biofeedback is a tool that not everyone knows about, yet many coaches and athletes could benefit from using it. This article will describe the psychophysiological principle, introduce biofeedback, and provide descriptions of two biofeedback modalities that may be useful for strength and conditioning professionals to improve performance.
CoachesExercise ScienceExercise TechniqueProgram designstrength and conditioningstrength trainingbiofeedback
The purpose of this article is to explore trauma-related mental health issues and help human performance professionals more effectively train tactical athletes.
TSAC FacilitatorsExercise ScienceProgram designBasic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status or Condition and Disorder or DiseaseMental HealthTraumaReadiness SurveyTactical AthletesOculocardiac Reflex Activation
This column will explore specific investigations that evaluate the impact of PA and fitness on mental and physical health outcomes among firefighters and law enforcement officers.