Health history questionnaire

A health history questionnaire is an intake form used to identify a client’s medical conditions, medications and risk factors before training.^{1Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 156.} Also called a health or medical questionnaire, it’s one of two health appraisal tools the NSCA describes as commonly used, alongside the PAR-Q+.^{2Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 155.} It covers coronary and sudden cardiac death risk factors, orthopedic concerns, recent operations, symptoms, supplements and lifestyle habits.^{1Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 156.}

The PAR-Q+ was designed to judge exercise safety rather than cardiovascular risk, so the NSCA advises using a second instrument alongside it during pre-participation screening.^{1Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 156.}

IPTA requires clients to complete their medical history and related forms before supervised activity, often as a single intake form.^{3International Personal Trainer Academy, Certified Personal Trainer Textbook, p. 147.} It emphasizes current medications, especially for metabolic conditions, injury history and cardiovascular risk.^{4International Personal Trainer Academy, Certified Personal Trainer Textbook, p. 148.}

In practice

• Use the answers to identify clients excluded by medical contraindications; those with known disease needing a medically supervised program; those needing further medical evaluation and clearance for disease, symptoms or risk factors; those needing modified programming; and those ready for a traditional program.^{5Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 675.}
• You may suspect a condition, but you can’t diagnose it or prescribe treatment.^{6Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 676.}
• Failing to act on the information you collect, or lacking the knowledge to interpret it, can show a departure from the standard of care.^{6Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 676.}
• A physician clearance form may be needed depending on health status, age and goals.^{7Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 684.} To receive examination or stress test reports, obtain the client’s signed release of medical information.^{7Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 684.}