ACSM Books Senior Editor Search
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), long considered the definitive standard in sports medicine, exercise science, and health and fitness, is seeking qualified members to serve as the senior editor of the next edition of ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription.
Completed applications for a senior editor role should include a fully completed application form, the applicant’s current curriculum vitae, and a proposed revision plan. All application materials must be submitted by Sept. 17, 2026. Please review the Senior Editor Responsibilities section prior to answering the questions. Questions regarding this role can be sent to ACSM Book Portfolio Manager Angie Chastain.
Interested in supporting the book in another way? Simply navigate to the form, and for the last question on the first page, select the “I’m interested in participating in a supporting role” option.
Senior Editor Responsibilities
The mission of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is to educate and empower professionals to advance the science and practice of health and human performance. As the leader of the editorial team, each Senior Editor (SE) has full content responsibility, ensuring that ACSM’s mission, purpose, and core information is considered during development and production of the book content. Official ACSM Position Stands, ACSM Pronouncements, and Team Physician Consensus Statements are on the ACSM website.
The content of each book is to be developed within the parameters of the signed publishing agreement and in concert with the book proposal. The SE may not alter business or contractual agreements, or terms governing such, to create a product that conflicts with ACSM positions or current information. All noneditorial issues should be directed to ACSM staff who will work directly with the publisher.
- Managing the book development schedule and ensuring the chapters are finalized according to that schedule.
- Assembling the editorial team of associate editors and contributing authors to assist in content development.
- Providing oversight to the editorial team.
- Ensuring that the editorial team completes and submits copyright transfer forms.
- Notifying the editorial team of the outcome of discussions with appropriate ACSM committees for their work to revise the chapter content.
- Ensuring that the book content is accurate and correct, and in compliance with ACSM position stands and guidelines.
- Ensuring that the content aligns with upcoming edition of ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription.
- Reviewing all chapters.
- Ensuring associate editors and contributing authors complete chapter updates and revisions in a timely manner.
- Securing external reviews of all chapters (for Guidelines).
- Sending the external reviews to the responsible editorial team member and overseeing revision (for Guidelines).
- Submitting the revised chapters to ACSM.
- Receiving and distributing suggested revisions from the ACSM blind-review process.
- Ensuring revisions to the chapters by sending to the responsible editorial team member for revision.
- Submitting the final chapters to ACSM.
- Reviewing the chapter PDF page proofs and authorizing final approval of content.
- Identifying digital content feature updates and additions and participating in revising or creating those features.
- Participating in promotional activities such as appearances at the ACSM Annual Meeting and awareness campaigns on major content changes (via webinar or podcast).
- Completing the editor agreement/copyright transfer form
- Supporting the SE in content revision as assigned
- Providing oversight to the contributing authors for the section assigned by the SE
- Ensuring contributing authors within their sections complete the author agreement/copyright transfer form
- Ensuring contributing authors within their sections complete chapter updates and revisions in a timely manner.
- Participating in reviewing the chapter PDF page proofs and authorizing final approval of content, if assigned by SE.
- Participating in revising or creating digital features.
- Participating in promotional activities such as appearances at the ACSM Annual Meeting and awareness campaigns on major content changes (via webinar or podcast).
Table of Contents for the Current Edition
1 Benefits and Risks Associated with Physical Activity
Introduction
Physical Activity and Fitness Terminology
Public Health Perspective for Current Recommendations
Sedentary Behavior and Health
Health Benefits of Regular Physical Activity and Exercise
Health Benefits of Improving Muscular Fitness
Risks Associated with Physical Activity and Exercise
Exercise-Related Musculoskeletal Injury
Sudden Cardiac Death among Young Individuals
Exercise-Related Cardiac Events in Adults
Exercise Testing and the Risk of Cardiac Events
Risks of Cardiac Events during Cardiac Rehabilitation
Prevention of Exercise-Related Cardiac Events
Online Resources
References
2 Preparticipation Evaluation
Introduction
Informed Consent
Exercise Preparticipation Health Screening
American College of Sports Medicine Preparticipation Screening Process
American College of Sports Medicine Preparticipation Screening Algorithm
Algorithm Components
Using the Algorithm
Alternative Self-Guided Method
Exercise Testing
Risk Stratification for Individuals with Clinical Conditions and Medical Fitness Facilities
Medical History and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Assessment
Additional Recommendations
Online Resources
References
3 Health-Related Physical Fitness Testing and Interpretation
Introduction
Purposes of Health-Related Physical Fitness Testing
Basic Principles and Guidelines
Pretest Instructions for Fitness Testing
Organizing the Fitness Test
Test Environment
A Comprehensive Health Fitness Evaluation
Measurement of Resting Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
Body Composition
Anthropometric Methods
Densitometry
Other Techniques
Body Composition Norms
Cardiorespiratory Fitness
The Concept of Maximal Oxygen Uptake
Maximal versus Submaximal Exercise Testing
Cardiorespiratory Test Sequence and Measures
Test Termination Criteria
Modes of Testing
Submaximal Exercise Tests
Interpretation of Results
Muscular Fitness
Rationale
Principles
Muscular Strength
Muscular Endurance
Muscular Power
Flexibility
Balance
Online Resources
References
4 Clinical Exercise Testing and Interpretation
Introduction
Indications for a Clinical Exercise Test
Conducting the Clinical Exercise Test
Testing Staff
Testing Mode and Protocol
Monitoring and Test Termination
Postexercise
Safety
Interpreting the Clinical Exercise Test
Heart Rate Response
Blood Pressure Response
Rate-Pressure Product
Electrocardiogram
Dysrhythmias
Symptoms
Exercise Capacity
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing
Gas Exchange Data Sampling
Maximal versus Peak Cardiorespiratory Stress
Diagnostic Value of Exercise Testing for the Detection of Ischemic Heart Disease
Sensitivity, Specificity, and Predictive Value
Clinical Exercise Test Data and Prognosis
Clinical Exercise Tests with Imaging
Field Walking Tests
Online Resources
References
5 General Principles of Exercise Prescription
An Introduction to the Principles of Exercise Prescription
General Considerations for Exercise Prescription
Components of the Exercise Training Session
Sex Difference Considerations for Exercise Prescription and Training
Sex Differences in Exercise Performance
Resistance Strength Training and High Intensity Interval Training
Cardiovascular and Aerobic Endurance Training
Sex Differences in Body Weight Responses to Aerobic Exercise Training
Other Sex-Based Special Considerations
Cardiorespiratory Fitness
Frequency of Aerobic Exercise
Intensity of Aerobic Exercise
Time (Duration) of Aerobic Exercise
Type (Mode)
Volume (Quantity) of Aerobic Exercise
Progression of Aerobic Exercise
Resistance Training
Frequency of Resistance Training Exercise
Intensity of Resistance Training Exercise
Time (Rest Periods of Resistance Training Exercise)
Types of Resistance Training Exercises
Volume of Resistance Training Exercise
Progression of Resistance Training Exercise
Flexibility
Types of Flexibility Exercises
Volume of Flexibility Exercise (Time, Repetitions, and Frequency)
Alternatives to Stretching to Increase ROM
Future Directions
References
6 Exercise Prescription for Healthy Populations with Special Considerations
Children and Adolescents
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Special Considerations
Online Resources
Pregnancy
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Special Considerations
Online Resources
Low Back Pain
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Special Considerations
Online Resources
Older Adults
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Special Considerations for Exercise Programming
Online Resources
Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals
Medical Interventions
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Special Considerations
Online Resources
References
7 Environmental Considerations for Exercise Prescription
Introduction
Exercise in High-Altitude Environments
Altitude Acclimatization
Rapid Ascent
Assessing Individual Altitude Acclimatization Status
Medical Considerations: Altitude Illnesses and Preexisting Conditions
Prevention and Treatment of Altitude Sickness
Exercise Prescription
Special Considerations
Organizational Planning
Exercise in Cold Environments
Medical Considerations: Cold Injuries
Cardiac and Respiratory Considerations
Clothing Considerations
Exercise Prescription
Exercise in Hot Environments
Mitigating Risk
Medical Considerations: Exertional Heat Illnesses
Exercise Prescription
Special Considerations
References
8 Exercise Prescription for Individuals with Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Diseases
Introduction
Coronary Heart Disease
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Special Considerations
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Inpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs
Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation
Continuous Electrocardiographic Monitoring
Individuals With History of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Special Considerations
Chronic Heart Failure
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Special Considerations
Left Ventricular Assist Device
Heart Transplantation
Exercise Testing
Special Considerations
Exercise Prescription
Sternotomy
Special Considerations
Pacemaker and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
Special Considerations
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Special Considerations
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
Pre-exercise Assessment
Exercise Prescription
Special Considerations
Pediatric Cardiac Rehabilitation
Individuals with a Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke)
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Exercise Training Considerations
Other Considerations
Exercise Training for Return to Work
Pulmonary Diseases
Asthma
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Exercise Training for Pulmonary Diseases Other than Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Respiratory Muscle Testing and Training
Online Resources
References
9 Exercise Prescription for Individuals with Metabolic Disease and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors
Introduction
Diabetes Mellitus
Benefits of Regular Physical Activity for Diabetes
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Special Considerations
Online Resources
Dyslipidemia
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Special Consideration
Online Resources
Hypertension
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Special Considerations
Online Resources
Overweight and Obesity
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Special Considerations
Bariatric Surgery
Online Resources
Metabolic Syndrome
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription/Special Considerations
Online Resources
Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Special Considerations
References
10 Exercise Testing and Prescription for Populations with Other Chronic Diseases and Health Conditions
Introduction
Arthritis
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Special Considerations
Online Resources
Cancer
Overview of Importance of Physical Activity in Cancer Survivors
Preparticipation Evaluation
Exercise Prescription
Summary
Online Resources
Fibromyalgia
Pharmacological Treatment Options
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Special Considerations
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Background
Diagnosis and Comorbidities
Exercise Testing
Pacing
Exercise Prescription
Special Considerations
Summary
Online Resources
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Special Considerations
Online Resources
Kidney Disease
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Special Considerations
Online Resources
Multiple Sclerosis
Exercise Testing
Exercise Testing Considerations
Exercise Prescription
Special Considerations
Online Resources
Osteoporosis
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Special Considerations
Online Resources
Spinal Cord Injury
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Special Considerations
Online Resources
Multiple Chronic Diseases and Health Conditions
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Special Considerations
References
11 Neurologic Diseases, Conditions, and Disorders
Introduction
Anxiety and Depression
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Exercise Considerations
Special Considerations
Online Resources
Anxiety
Depression
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Future Directions
Online Resources
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Exercise Training Considerations
Future Directions
Online Resources
Intellectual Disability and Down Syndrome
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Special Considerations for Individuals with Intellectual Disability
Special Considerations for Individuals with Down Syndrome
Online Resources
Cerebral Palsy
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Online Resources
Alzheimer’s Disease
Exercise Testing
Exercise Prescription
Future Directions
Online Resources
Parkinson’s Disease
Exercise Testing
Exercise Programming
Special Considerations
Future Directions
Online Resources
References
12 Behavior-based Strategy to Promote Physical Activity and Exercise
Introduction
Theoretical Foundations for Understanding Exercise Behavior
Social Cognitive Theory
Transtheoretical Model
Health Belief Model
Social Ecological Models
Self-Determination Theory
Theory of Planned Behavior
Dual Processing Theories
Relevant Targets to Promote Physical Activity Behavior Change
Self-Efficacy
Outcome Expectations and Expectancies
Self-Regulaton
Autonomy
Goal Setting
Intention
Barriers and Problem Solving
Social Support
Affect
Motivation and Reinforcement
Relapse Prevention
Population Considerations
Age and Lifespan
Medical Status and Health Conditions
Cultural Diversity
Group Exercise Behavioral Dynamics
Client-Centered Conversations and Motivational Interviewing
The Role of Client-Centered Counseling
Motivational Interviewing
Online Resources
References
