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  • Grant Proposal Writing: Tips for Success

    by Caitlin Kinser | Aug 01, 2023
    blog grant proposal writing tips for successACSM Foundation grant applications open after Labor Day. We polled the Research Review Committee for their top tips for a high scoring grant application. Here’s what we learned:

    Writing – Make it easy for reviewers to read

    The number one piece of advice from experienced grant reviewers is to use clear, concise writing. You aren’t evaluated by the elegance of your writing, but by how logically the proposal is developed. Key tips include:
    • Use a logical sequence – don’t make the reviewer scroll back and forth for pertinent information that is relevant to the current application section.
    • Don’t be afraid to use bullet points to make the proposal easy to read. The less text you can use to make a point, the better.
    • Avoid excess jargon and acronyms, explain key design choices, and if there are highly novel procedures, explain how they help answer your study question.
    • Write so that an educated scientist can follow the logic of your study even if they don’t have expertise in your specific area. It’s even better to write so that a lay person can understand what your grant will accomplish and why it’s important.

    Proposal – Clear, specific aims are vital

    Clear, specific aims are the top concern for grant reviewers. However, don’t sleep on the importance and rational for the study. Detail the gap the research will fill and make a strong case for why the research question is interesting. Additional tips for a strong proposal:  

    • Do not make small figures with tiny fonts. Keep figures simple, with crisp lines and easy to read text. 
    • Demonstrate that you have the ability to execute the research (background, facilities, mentors, collaborators, etc.).  
    • Indicate how this project fits into your overall research or education plan and the value of having this funding. 

    General – Grantsmanship starts when applications open

    ACSM Foundation grants, like all grants, are competitive, and grantsmanship is important to be successful. Reviewers encourage you to start early and give your mentors/collaborators plenty of time to read the grant and give feedback. Grantsmanship can include:
    • Specifically aligning your proposal to the funding opportunity and following all of the grant instructions.  
    • Demonstrating professionalism by submitting complete, final versions of applications. Believe it or not, the ACSM Foundation has received draft proposals with tracked changes still included. Reviewers do not want to see your drafts.  
    • Matching the scale of the project to the maximal amount of the grant. Make sure the project can stand on its own merits. 
    Final note: all of the research grant reviewers are volunteers. They have full-time jobs, families and lives outside of ACSM, and yet they each willingly review more than a half dozen grant applications every winter. Writing a strong application honors their time and dedication to making this a fair, yet rigorous process.

    Learn about grants available to ACSM members

  • 10 Tips for Success on the ACSM-GEI Exam

    by Caitlin Kinser | Jul 28, 2023

    10 Tips to prepare for the ACSM Group Exercise Instructor (ACSM-GEI) examA group exercise instructor is a fitness professional who safely teaches, leads and motivates individuals through intentionally designed exercise classes. Those who are ACSM Certified Group Exercise Instructors (ACSM-GEIs), provide safe and effective instruction across many class types, from dance fitness, to indoor cycling, to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and everything in between. 

    ACSM-GEIs come in all forms: some are full-time group exercise instructors, some teach group classes in addition to seeing personal training clients and/or offering health coaching, and others teach in addition to another line of full-time work to either supplement income or simply because they enjoy it! If you’ve been considering adding “Certified Group Exercise Instructor” to your resume, there’s never been a better time! 

    Check out these 10 Tips for Success on the ACSM-GEI Exam: 

    1. Understand the professional scope for an ACSM-GEI 

    Professional scope (also called scope of practice) defines what an ACSM-GEI understands and can safely and effectively perform based on their certification, education, training and experience. For a full chart of “Can Do” and “Cannot Do” items, consult Table 1.4 in ACSM’s Resources for the Group Exercise Instructor, 2nd edition. 

    2. Ensure you meet the qualifications

    The minimal qualifications to sit for the ACSM-GEI exam are:

    • 18 years of age or older
    • High school diploma or equivalent
    • Current adult CPR/AED certification

    3. Develop a timeline 

    Set a goal for when you would like to take the exam, and develop a timeline with clear priorities and expectations so that you can manage your time effectively. Every exam candidate differs in their academic background and practical experience, so it would be difficult to prescribe one timeline to meet the needs of each candidate. Use the other tips listed here to help you build your own timeline.  

    4. Be familiar with the exam content outline 

    ACSM provides an exam content outline for the GEI, which is made up of a job task analysis (JTA). This document serves as a blueprint for the certification examination. The outline is categorized into categories called performance domains (I, Class Design; II, Leadership; III, Instruction; IV, Professional Responsibilities). Within each domain is a list of tasks and statements that describe what an ACSM-GEI should know and/or be able to perform as part of their job. When preparing for your certification exam, it is important to use this document as a study guide because all exam questions are based on this outline. Download the document here! 

    5. Create a study plan and find available resources 

    There are many resources available to help you prepare for the ACSM-GEI certification exam, so it’s important to identify which resources will best fit your individual preparation needs. ACSM recommended options include: 

    6. Be knowledgeable about various group exercise formats 

    It is beneficial to understand the various types of classes that an ACSM-GEI can lead, as well as the types of equipment that can be used in group exercise classes. Attending a variety of group exercise classes can prepare a future instructor by understanding the different class formats and seeing the many responsibilities of a GEI before, during and after they teach a group exercise class. Participate in group exercise classes when you can and, if possible, take a moment to talk with the instructor afterward. 

    7. Find a mentor 

    While you’re talking with those instructors, ask one to be your mentor. Look for a mentor who has experience in a variety of group exercise formats, is willing to spend time answering questions and encourages you as you begin your GEI career. A good mentor can teach you valuable skills such as how to structure a class and select appropriate exercises. 

    8. Gain experience leading a group exercise class 

    There is no better teacher than experience! Look for a facility that will allow you to teach or co-teach a class under another certified GEI's direction. This experience can be invaluable in becoming comfortable in front of a group and interacting with participants. This also is a good way to learn how to provide modifications, variations and progressions for your participants. 

    9. Understand what you will need to keep your certification up-to-date 

    The ACSM-GEI certification is valid for a three (3)-year period upon successful completion of the exam. You’ll need to pursue continuing education opportunities to maintain your certification and ensure that you are providing the best possible instruction to your students. To recertify, you’ll need to do the following: 

    • Obtain 45 continuing education credits (CECs)—Learn more about CECs here. 
    • Maintain a current CPR/AED certification
    • Pay the required recertification fee (currently $55)  

    10. Schedule your exam 

    Once you’ve followed the above steps and feel confident that you’re ready, schedule your exam (you can do that here). You can take the exam in-person at a Pearson Vue testing center, or online from the comfort of your own home. You’re on your way to a new or expanded career as a certified group exercise instructor! 

    *Bonus tip* Earn discounts on prep materials and the exam as an ACSM member 

    ACSM members receive a 20% discount on resources from our publishing partner Wolters Kluwer, including the recommended books. ACSM members also receive a $100 discount on the cost of the exam! Once you’re certified, ACSM members also receive discounts (up to 50%) on online continuing education courses through ACSM’s ceOnline, and complimentary access to ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal®, an invaluable resource of education and practical tips for practicing exercise professionals. You can learn more about ACSM membership and join here.


    This blog is adapted from     "Ten Tips on How to Prepare for the ACSM Group Exercise Instructor® Certification Exam," published in the July/August 2023 edition of ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal®.

  • Importance of Including Translational Research in Your Syllabi

    by Caitlin Kinser | Jul 27, 2023
    blog translational research syllabi

    The phrase translational research has been used since about 1993. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), translational research has two parts: 1) using research conducted in the laboratory and pre-clinical studies to design trials in humans, and 2) ensuring that research is used to adopt best practices in the community. Regardless of the type of research conducted, all should ultimately lead to cost-effective methods for preventing and treating disease.

    There is a spectrum of translational research. They are defined as the following:
    "T0 Research: basic biomedical research, including preclinical and animal studies; not including interventions with human subjects;
    T1 Research: translation to humans, including proof of concept studies, Phase 1 clinical trials, and focus on new methods of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in highly-controlled settings;
    T2 Research: translation to patients, including Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials, and controlled studies leading to clinical application and evidence-based guidelines;
    T3 Research: translation to practice, including comparative effectiveness research, post-marketing studies, clinical outcomes research, health services, and dissemination & implementation research; and
    T4 Research: translation to communities, including population level outcomes research, monitoring of morbidity, mortality, benefits, and risks, and impacts of policy and change."

    Including translational science in the classroom will expand students’ learning and allow them to better connect basic science to community science. It also sheds light on the importance of all types of research. Sometimes, students (or faculty) who conduct one type of research may perceive that their type of research is the most important. However, all research along the translational spectrum is essential, and contributes to the prevention and treatment of disease.  

    In addition to teaching students about different types of research, translational science emphasizes the importance of working in teams, where different scientists all contribute to make the research even more rigorous due to the contributions of all the team members. 

    I have the privilege of teaching Translational Science in our department. It is a course where I bring outside speakers from around the country (including several ACSM members!), who discuss their research, and then my students discuss where everyone’s research falls on the translational spectrum. We also have some classes where students learn laboratory techniques in basic and applied sciences. Students soon realize the significance of collaboration and the translation of research. 

    However, you do not have to teach a translational science course to stress the importance of translational research to your students. Including articles from the Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine (TJACSM) can make including translational science in your classes seamless. Note that TJACSM accepts pilot and feasibility studies as well. 

    The following are some recent publications in TJACSM you might consider adding to your syllabi:

    Implementation Science: 

    Milliken et al. Bone, Estrogen, Strength Training Study Translation to Osteoporosis Prevention Research and Education.

    Feasibility/Pilot Study Report:

    Wu et al. HbA1c Reduction in Diabetic Older Blacks and Hispanics: A Study on Mobile Physical Activity Tracking.

    Controlled Trial:

    Collins et al. Demographic, Clinical, and Psychosocial Predictors of Exercise Adherence: The STRRIDE Trials.

    Stella L. Volpe, Ph.D., RDN, FACSM, ACSM-CEP, is professor and head of the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA. Her degrees are in both Nutrition and Exercise Physiology; she also is an ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist® and a registered dietitian. Dr. Volpe's research focuses on obesity and diabetes prevention using traditional interventions, mineral supplementation, altering the environment to result in greater physical activity and healthy eating as well as in sport nutrition. Dr. Volpe is chair of the ACSM American Fitness Index, and is on the Board of Trustees for the Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences. Dr. Volpe is an associate editor of     ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal®, the Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, and Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews. She is ACSM President-elect (2023-2024).

    Are you a faculty member looking for more classroom insights and tools? Subscribe to the ACSM Faculty newsletter to be the first to learn about new resources and content like this blog. 

  • Major Milestone for PAA's 'It's Time to Move' Campaign

    by Greg Margason | Jul 26, 2023

    Policy Corner

     

    On Thursday, July 20, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology published the United States Core Data for Interoperability Version 4 (USCDI v4). The Physical Activity Alliance (PAA) is pleased to announce that its proposed Physical Activity Data Elements have been included as Core Measures in USCDI v4, alongside other new data elements that focus on improving equity across the health care ecosystem. 

    The addition of PAA’s proposed Physical Activity Data Elements to the USCDI v4 means that electronic health record platforms in the United States (i.e., the software platforms used to collect and share patient information) will be required to include the Physical Activity Data Element that captures the following patient data: “Evaluation of a patient’s current or usual exercise.” 

    With the achievement of this major milestone, PAA is now focusing on work that will incentivize health care providers, health plans, and health systems to integrate physical activity assessment, prescription, and referral into health care delivery and address reimbursement/payment for these services.

  • ACSM Hot Topic | Physical Activity Guidelines Midcourse Report: A Q&A with Federal Lead Katrina Piercy, Ph.D., FACSM

    by Greg Margason | Jul 26, 2023

    QADr. Katrina Piercy, FACSM, is the director of the Division of Prevention Science within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), having taken on the role in January 2022. Piercy earned a Ph.D. in exercise physiology and nutrition from Virginia Tech (in the department now headed by ACSM President-Elect Stella Volpe) and began working with ODPHP as a fellow in 2011; Piercy has since held a number of roles and leadership positions within the office, also joining the U.S. Public Health Service as a dietician officer in 2013. 

    Piercy’s division develops and disseminates the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (Guidelines), the National Youth Sports Strategy, and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. They also support the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition, a federal advisory committee appointed by POTUS that promotes physical activity and healthy eating for all Americans. 

    In her capacity as division director, Piercy was the federal lead overseeing the entirety of the development of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Midcourse Report: Implementation Strategies for Older Adults (Midcourse Report). In this Q&A with ACSM, Piercy discusses her background and work as well as insights into the report’s creation, its highlights, and actionable content for ACSM members and certified professionals.   

    What led you to pursue a career in exercise science and sports medicine? 

    I was a college athlete, playing soccer on scholarship, and I was always interested in the combination of physical activity and nutrition and how to optimize both. I specifically sought out graduate schools where I could combine both disciplines into one department and do research with human subjects. After graduate school, I did my dietetic internship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and was drawn to their program for the opportunity to be involved with many of the research studies at NIH. 

    What does your day-to-day work look like? 

    It honestly changes every day, depending on the projects we are working on. Currently, my team is working to disseminate findings from the Midcourse Report, getting the new members of the Biden-Harris administration President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition — who were just sworn in at their meeting in late June — up to speed and starting to work, and preparing for meeting No. 3 of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, which will take place in September. 

    How did you get involved with the production of the Midcourse Report? 

    On behalf of HHS, our office leads development of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans in close collaboration with other federal offices, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the NIH. We began planning for the Midcourse Report in late 2020. 

    What is the purpose of the report, and what do you hope to achieve with its publication? 

    Move your way

    The Midcourse Report extends the work of the Guidelines and provides the “how” to help older adults achieve the recommended 150 minutes or more of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity and two days of muscle-strengthening physical activity each week. In addition, older adults also need multicomponent physical activity, which incorporates balance training as well as aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity. 

    Older adults were selected for this report because they are an expanding population with low rates of physical activity (less than 15% are currently meeting the Guidelines) and because of the physical, mental, social, and economic benefits of physical activity for older adults.
    The purpose of this report is to highlight strategies that work to increase physical activity among older adults. This report is for policymakers; exercise and health professionals; clinicians; gerontologists; built-environment professionals; local, state, territorial, and Tribal leaders; and others working with older adults. 

    Of note, the Biden-Harris administration’s National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health specifically called for this report after the historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health in September 2022. Summarizing evidence-based strategies to increase physical activity among older adults directly supports the National Strategy’s Pillar 4: Support Physical Activity for All. 

    How is the report formulated? 

    The report is primarily based on a systematic literature review performed with support from the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition Science Board. It examined how effective a variety of settings are for supporting increased physical activity among older adults. These settings included communities; assisted living facilities; faith-based settings; health care institutions; and homes, independent living facilities, and neighborhoods. 

    What are the most important takeaways from the current report? 

    Here are a few of the key messages from the report: 

    • It’s never too late to start being physically active and gain substantial health benefits. 

    • While people can do physical activity in many locations, the Midcourse Report identifies three key settings for successful physical activity interventions: 

    • Community locations like schools, gyms, senior centers, or outdoor parks or trails 

    • Health care locations, e.g., doctors’ offices, rehabilitation/physical therapy centers, or nursing homes 

    • At home, where older adults spend much of their time and may be most comfortable 

    • The report outlines several strategies proven to increase physical activity among older adults. They include: 

    • Behavior change strategies — physical activity counseling, for example 

    • Physical activity programs like exercise classes 

    • Policy, systems, and environmental approaches such as walkable, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods and communities 

    What can/should ACSM members and certified professionals do with this information? 

    A key audience for the report is health professionals and clinicians, which includes exercise physiologists, physical therapists, personal trainers, and physicians — all ACSM members! Below are some of the strategies that health professionals can use when they work with older adults. 

    Professionals working with older adults can:  

    • Help them set self-selected physical activity goals, monitor their progress, use problem-solving to overcome barriers to physical activity, and build social support; 

    • Consider individual factors, social and environmental factors, and cultural factors when providing tailored physical activity guidance; 

    • Help older adults transition from programs or care within the health care setting to community programs by providing referrals to exercise and health professionals or programs and resources that fit their needs; and 

    • Provide guidance and recommendations to help older adults engage in more physical activity, such as through active transportation and leisure-time physical activity. 

    ACSM members can use Move Your Way® resources and share information with their patients and clients. Move Your Way is the promotional campaign for the Guidelines and contains over 80 resources in English and Spanish tailored to a variety of audiences, including consumers and health professionals. The campaign materials for older adults help older adults understand the amount and types of physical activity they need to be healthy. Of note, a new fact sheet for health care providers shares information about how to discuss physical activity with older patients. The fact sheet also points to helpful resources like Exercise is Medicine®, workout videos for older adults, and an interactive physical activity planner. 

    Additionally, CDC leads the Active People, Healthy NationTM initiative, a program that provides resources and tools to help 27 million Americans become more physically active by 2027. There are a number of resources for community design, a key component of the policy, systems, and environmental approaches discussed in the Midcourse Report. Improving community design elements can increase physical activity for older adults, as well as everyone in the community. 

    Katrina Piercy

    Katrina Piercy, Ph.D., FACSM    , is the director of the Division of Prevention Science within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, which produces the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Midcourse Report: Implementation Strategies for Older Adults.


    Viewpoints presented in ACSM Bulletin commentaries reflect opinions of the authors and do not necessarily represent positions or policies of ACSM. Active Voice authors who have received financial or other considerations from a commercial entity associated with their topic must disclose such relationships at the time they accept an invitation to write for the ACSM Bulletin. 

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