Evaluating the feasibility of a Pre-Exercise Screening System for Young People

Abstract

Introduction: No best-practice approach for pre-exercise risk management and screening of young people currently exists, highlighting a potential gap in exercise leader’s ability to ensure safe participation. Although benefits of exercise overshadow risks for most individuals, pre-exercise screening is crucial to avoid preventable harm and/or adverse events. This study evaluated the feasibility of the evidence-based Pre-exercise Screening System for Young People (PSS-YP) which was co-designed by multidisciplinary national committee, supported by governing and regulatory bodies (e.g., Exercise & Sport Science Australia, Sports Medicine Australia, Fitness Australia). Methods: A mixed methods design was employed to explore the feasibility of the PSS-YP. Quantitative statistical methods explored aspects of feasibility based on a survey of exercise professionals across Australia (n=195). Semi-structured interviews and content analytic procedures were employed to explore feasibility of the system for end users: young people 16-17yrs (n=5) and parents/guardians (n=9). Results: Most exercise professionals (86.1%) indicated a screening system is needed, and specifically that the PSS-YP system is acceptable (81.2%) and practical (91.3%). Rasch analysis identified agreement across most items, noting greater variance in response regarding medical disclosure in the absence of parent/guardian (i.e., on a 1-5 Likert scale of agreeability M=2.95 ± 1.34). Interview meaning units grouped in qualitative feedback from end users reporting main themes regarding demand (n=29), acceptability (n=138), and practicality (n=28) coincide with exercise professionals support for the tool. For example, “I like that the tool covers a lot of depth and breadth, I like the idea of a one stop shop”. Open-ended questions throughout interviews identified notable emergent themes, confidentiality and development or behaviour considerations. Discussion: The consensus amongst exercise professionals, young people and parents/guardians suggests the PSS-YP is feasible and fulfils an identified need for safe exercise participation for young people. Importantly, the PSS-YP tool seems to be taken on positively by most exercise professionals regardless of background, age, experience, and career. Conflict of interest statement: My co-authors and I acknowledge that we have no conflict of interest of relevance to the submission of this abstract.