American College of Sports Medicine

About the Organization:

The American College of Sports Medicine promotes and integrates scientific research, education, and practical applications of sports medicine and exercise science to maintain and enhance physical performance, fitness, health, and quality of life.

Contact Info:

Web-site: http://www.acsm.org

News:

Simple Steps for Combating America’s Number One Killer
Experts summarize and promote scientific evidence that regular brisk walking reduces risk of cardiovascular disease.

Behavioral Counseling Benefits Older Adults in Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs
Study shows men with least fitness capacity benefit most in small group settings and demonstrate greater exercise adherence.

Resources on Aging and Physical Activity:

Strength, Power, and the Baby Boomer
Crucial to the boomer’s enjoyment of their golden years are maintaining and improving muscular strength and power through resistance training.

ProFinder
Search for certified health/fitness professionals.

ACSM’s Fit Society Page

Resistance Training in the Older Adult
Current Comment from ACSM on the benefits of resistance training.

American College of Sports Medicine’s Response to the National Blueprint Initiative

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has been very proactive in responding to the National Blueprint on Aging.

ACSM has:
· Provided significant national leadership via the Active Aging Partnership, a coalition-based project involving representation from AARP, American Geriatric Society, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Council on the Aging, the National Institute of Aging and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The mission of the AAP is to demonstrate innovation and implement projects in the following areas: Professional Education, Research, and Consumer Outreach.

· Collaborated with the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign to provide management capability to hold two follow-up Blueprint Meetings in 2002 + 2003, to further sustain the Aging Blueprint.

· Funded student research directly related to the research strategies of the Blueprint: Traditional vs. Functional Strength Training in Older Adults, Todd Manini, University of Syracuse, July 2002.

· Published (web-based) Active Aging Tips, a brochure series of practical health and nutrition tips for the Older Adult, found at (www.agingblueprint.org)

· Hosted professional education symposia (Blueprint-related) at the 48th and 49th ACSM Annual Scientific Meetings (2001-2002), and the Health & Fitness Summit & Exposition (2002).

· Presented Blueprint themes at the Strategic Health Initiative-Aging and the Aging Interest Group Meetings held in conjunction with the ASM Annual Scientific Meeting in 2002, exposing hundreds of ACSM members to Blueprint Barriers, Strategies, and plans for the future.