Tailoring the Physical Activity Program for Success

Associate Director, Amy Rauworth

As an exercise physiologist and personal trainer, at times it can be frustrating when my clients lose motivation or do not make progress. We often measure our own personal success by our clients’ adherence to the program and measurable physiological changes such as an increase in cardiovascular function or a decrease in body mass index (BMI). Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to prepare individualized exercise prescriptions for people with disabilities can provide a platform that allows the fitness professional to think outside the box and consider all factors that will contribute to the success of the exercise program. The ICF model will not only allow the fitness professional to tailor the program to the needs of the individual but it will give a broader scope and depth to the measure of functional improvements that our clients will make.

Specifically, the ICF can assist the fitness professional in identifying the important facilitators or barriers to physical activity participation that include the areas of functioning, personal factors, and environmental factors particular to the individual which are critical to successful adherence to a physical activity program.