PLEASE NOTE: This is the presentation only version free to ACSM National Members . The full course (0.5 CEC) can be accessed by members and non-members here: Physical Activity and Exercise Intensity Terminology | American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
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The evidence supporting the many beneficial effects of physical activity, including exercise, is overwhelming. However, one factor hampering research and limiting the adoption of these recommendations is the inconsistent use of terminology associated with different exercise intensities. In this "From Around the Field" course, Professor Bishop discusses the recent joint American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) expert statement and Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA) statement on recommended physical activity and exercise intensity terminology. This statement proposes a standard terminology for physical activity, exercise, and sport and human performance comprising five exercise intensities: very low, low, moderate, high, and very high. It also proposes five different descriptors for the perception of effort that align with the five suggested intensities: very easy, easy, somewhat hard, hard, and very hard. This course also provides an opportunity to provide feedback on this recently published statement.
