Medical-Fitness Technician
Certification Course
Part E: Skill Practicums
Learning Modules: 39-46
Learning Module 39:
Risk Analysis
Complete all the steps outlined below and submit your Lab Report.
This Lab is referenced in the Learning Modules linked below. Review as needed.
In this Practicum, you will learn how to complete the Introduction and Risk Analysis sections of the Med-Fit Assessment Form.
Your volunteer Client is needed for this Practicum.
Needed Equipment & Materials;
  • Med-Fit Assessment Form
  • Clipboard
  • Pen
  • Calculator
  • Body-Weight Scale
  • Body Measuring Tape
  • Health Risk Analysis Charts (BMI & WHR)
  • Camera (optional)
1. Introduction:
  • Objective - Help your client feel relaxed and comfortable.
  • The Name of the client and the Date of the appointment should be filled-in in advance.
  • You may want to include the Time of the appointment, as well.
  • Greet your client by Name and introduce yourself.
  • You may want to verify the correct spelling and pronunciation of your client's Name.
  • It is appropriate, but not mandatory, for you to shake hands.
  • If your client is accompanied by a friend or relative, extend your welcome and determine his/her relationship to your client.
  • You and your client should both be standing throughout the Assessment.
  • If your client brings a friend or relative, he/she may sit nearby, but out of the way and to watch only.
  • You do not need a desk or computer or laptop (other than your smart phone or pad).
  • Be sure to speak slowly and clearly, especially if your client is older (45-70+ years old).
  • Watch for indications of adequate hearing and understanding and adjust your speech accordingly.
  • Get to know your client by asking him/her a couple general open-ended questions, such as:
  • -- "How long have you lived in the area?"
  • -- "What kind of work do you do?"
  • Always look at your client -- not at your clipboard!
  • Smile and nod your head appropriately. Avoid "laughing."
  • Do not interrupt your client while he/she is speaking!
  • Do NOT take notes during your introduction!
  • After a minute of casual conversation, refer to your Clipboard.
  • "So, you're here today for your Baseline (or Follow-Up) Medical-Fitness Assessment."
  • "Let's start with your Health Risk Analysis."​
2. Bio-Stats
Age:
  • "How old are you, (Client's First Name)?"
  • "What month did you turn (client's Age in years)?"
  • "So, you were born in what year?"
  • Record your client's MYB = Month & Year of Birth
  • Determine your client's age in Years & Months and record as YY.MM.
  • "So, that makes you (example) 48 years and 03 months old. (48.03)
Gender:
  • Observe and determine your client's Gender.
  • Record as either M (male) or F (female).
  • Do not ask (unless it is not obvious).
  • Your client's Name may give you a clue, if in doubt.​
Height:
  • "How tall are you?"
  • Most people know how tall they are within 1 inch, so just ask.
  • No need to measure their height in most settings (other than clinical), but you can if you prefer.
  • If you do measure height, use appropriate equipment.
  • Record your client's stated Height as Feet & Inches.
  • Convert your client's Height to Total Inches.
  • Round-off to the nearest inch.
3A. Measurements:
  • Weight - "Now, let's measure your current weight."
  • Using the qualifier "current" implies that weight changes.
  • Use your own high-quality scale to weigh your clients.
  • Record your client's Weight as measured.
  • Round-off to the nearest pound.
  • ​BMI - Use your client's Height & Weight to determine his/her Body Mass Index.
  • Record your client's BMI.
Waist Circumference:
  • "Now we need to get your Waist Circumference."
  • Stand to the side of your client holding both ends of the measuring tape.
  • Hand one of the ends to your client.
  • "Hold this end of the tape measure right here and slowly turn all the way around."
  • If necessary, discreetly adjust the tape to be positioned correctly.
  • Take hold of the other end of the measuring tape while still standing to the side of your client.
  • Measure and Record your client's Waist Circumference.
  • Round-off to the nearest half inch.
WHR:
  • Use your client's Waist Circumference & Height to calculate his/her Waist-to-Height Ratio.
  • Record your client's WHR.
  • Round-off to the nearest whole or half inch.
3B. Interpretation:
Weight Category & Risk Level:
  • Use your client's BMI & WHR to determine his/her Weight Category & Risk Level.
  • Record your client's Weight Category.
  • Record your client's Risk Level.
Healthy Weight Range:
  • Use the BMI Chart to determine your client's Healthy Weight Range.​
  • Record your Client's Healthy Weight Range.
Pounds Over/Under:
  • Determine your client's "Optimal" Weight considering his/her Gender & Frame.
  • Calculate and record the # of Pounds your client is Over or Under (+/-) his/her "Optimal" Weight.
  • State the results in an appropriately serious (based on risk), but optimistic manner.​
  • "The reason fitness tests are important is because your weight ALONE does NOT reveal the full picture.
3C. Application: Fat? or Fit? or Skinny-Fat?
  • If Underweight: "It's very possible to be underweight, but still be at a higher risk."
  • If Healthy Weight: "It is very possible to have a 'healthy' weight, but still be at a higher risk."
  • If Overweight: "It is very possible to be overweight, but still be at a lower risk."
  • If Obese - 1: "It is very possible to be mildly obese, but still be at a lower risk."
  • ​If Obese - 2: "It is very possible to be moderately obese, but still be at a lower risk."
  • ​If Obese - 3: "It is very possible to be severely obese, but still be at a lower risk."
Note: Many of your overweight and obese clients will be relieved to know that they can lower their health risks significantly by exercising regularly and getting fit without having to achieve an unrealistic "ideal" body weight.
For new clients, you will use the Health Risk Analysis to determine which Testing Protocol is appropriate for his/her Baseline Assessment.
  • Clients with a BMI 35+ or not able to do calisthenic exercises = 10-min Aerobic Walking Test
  • Clients with a BMI < 35 and able to do calisthenic exercises = 4-min Aerobic Walk/Jog Test + Calisthenic Strength Tests
4. Photo Documentation (optional):
  • Ask your client for permission with your phone-camera in hand.
  • "I generally take reference photos of my Clients at their Baseline. Is that okay with you?"
  • If no, respect your client's decision, but suggest to use his/her camera for his/her personal reference.
  • If yes, use a standard pose for 1-4 full-length body shots (Front, Back, Right, Left).
​Keep this partially completed Med-Fit Assessment Form. You will use it in Practicums 41 & 42.