Medical Exercise Assessment: Step 1 - Pre-Assessment Preparation

Episode Title: 7 Steps of the Medical Exercise Assessment - Step 1: Pre-Assessment Preparation

Episode Summary In this episode, Dr. Mike breaks down the first step of the seven-step medical exercise assessment process: Pre-Assessment Preparation. This crucial step takes place before the client even arrives for their first in-person or virtual session, usually via phone, text, or email. Dr. Mike explains how gathering key medical and functional information upfront triggers your critical thinking process, ensuring you act as a prepared professional rather than a technician figuring things out on the fly.

Key Takeaways

• Initial Information Gathering: Before the formal assessment, you should find out if the client has a specific diagnosis and who established it (e.g., a physician, a therapist, or the client themselves). You should also collect the diagnosing medical professional's name and contact information.
• The METQ vs. The PAR Q: Dr. Mike recommends using the Medical Exercise Training Questionnaire (METQ), developed by the Medical Exercise Training Institute, instead of the standard PAR Q. The PAR Q can unnecessarily eliminate potential clients seeking medical exercise services. In contrast, the METQ gathers in-depth specifics on functional limitations, diagnoses, medical history, surgeries, current medications, symptoms, and contraindicated activities that worsen their condition.
• Focus on Function, Not Just Health: As a medical exercise professional, your primary focus is on improving the client's level of function rather than just making them "healthier".
• Activating Critical Thinking: The pre-assessment interview should prompt you to start thinking about the anatomy and pathology related to the client's condition. For example, when speaking to a client with Parkinson's disease, Dr. Mike used the pre-assessment to understand the severity of the symptoms and prepare specific questions for the formal assessment.
• The Ultimate Goal of Step 1: By gathering this data beforehand, you won't be surprised when the client walks through the door (or logs onto the virtual session). It allows you to create a solid plan and get the maximum value out of the actual assessment session.

Resources Mentioned

• Medical Exercise Training Questionnaire (METQ): A specialized intake form developed by the Medical Exercise Training Institute. See the MET Forms Kit at www.PostRehab.com.
• Free eBook: Begin developing your practice by downloading the Medical Exercise Training 101 eBook at met101ebook.com.
• Contact the Host: If you have any questions, you can email Dr. Mike directly at drmike@postrehab.com.

(Note: Steps 2 through 7 of the assessment process will be covered in subsequent podcast episodes.)