MEDICAL MATTERS

Fashions, Gimmicks And Progress? Personal Trainer Dr John Searle Looks At This Issue’s Topic

stuff all claiming to deliver huge benefits. How can we assess these developments? Do they really make a difference? Over the years I have developed a series of questions which I ask, a sort of sifting system to assess is it a fashion, a gimmick or demonstrable progress? Here they are:

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1. Does it make sense from first principles? A few years ago a capsule was being promoted in gyms which was purported to be equivalent to five pieces of fruit a day. It may have contained nutrients such as antioxidants, but had no fibre content, did not help to make people feel full, or reduce the risk of bowel cancer! A definite no-brainer. 2. Are the claims made evidenced-based? In other words have robust trials been done by independent researchers or are the claims made only on the work done by the manufacturers and promoters, or researches funded by them? Lack of independent research does not mean that the claims are false. But it is very likely that too much will be claimed just to state that development has occurred. 3. How complex is it? Is it difficult to use? Will a client be able to understand the basic principles behind it? Complicated equipment and programmes can be quite intimidating and de-motivate clients. 4. Is it user-friendly for older people? Does it have adequate

ften I feel bombarded by developments in our industry – new pieces of equipment, exercise programmes, nutritional supplements, clothing etc. There seems to be a lot of new

safety features? Will they be able to read the operating instructions and monitoring screens? 5. If it is an exercise programme there are three key questions:

Does it improve all the components of fitness – aerobic fitness, muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibly and motor function? A ‘new’ exercise regime or format which does not do this is of limited value and may be harmful. Does it lend itself to progression? Progression in one way or another is necessary if fitness is to be of long-term benefit. Is it sustainable? Keeping fit and healthy is a lifelong, life style business. Can the programme be progressed, adapted and maintain an individual’s interest over a period of time? 6. Does it offer measurable improvements on what we already have? For example, in order to achieve cardiovascular fitness you have to increase your heart rate and as far as disease risk reduction is concerned the greater the volume (intensity x duration) of aerobic exercise the greater the benefit.

Of course, in our industry, we should always be trying to develop equipment, programmes, techniques and nutritional support which will increase the benefit to clients, gym members and in exercise referral, to patients. But we need to distinguish between, fashions which will not last, gimmicks which are about self-promotion and progress which will have a lasting value.

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The REPs Journal 2013;27(May):22