Without Roots



PEPonline

Professionalization of Exercise Physiologyonline

An international electronic

journal for exercise physiologists

ISSN 1099-5862

Vol 10 No 12 December 2007

| |

Without Roots

Tommy Boone, PhD, MPH, FASEP, EPC

Professor and Chair

Department of Exercise Physiology

The College of St. Scholastica

Duluth, MN 55811

Never cease to pursue the opportunity to seek something different.  Don’t be satisfied with what you’re doing.  Always try to seek a way and a method to improve upon what you’re doing, even if it’s considered contrary to the traditions of an industry. -- Howard Marguleas

WHAT DRIVES exercise physiology? Past thinking? Inertia? Loyalty? Some combination of these factors? Or should we look elsewhere to fine the reason? Might it be that exercise physiologists are no different from members of other evolving professions, who are also without roots?

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What is a professional organization? Can we understand an organization merely by looking at the presentation topics at the annual meeting? Or, is that merely "what meetings are about?" Might what we think an organization is about is often separate from a professional meeting? Indeed, is it possible to imagine anything properly called "organization" within a "meeting?"

The current state and future prospects of exercise physiology are at a cross roads. "Crisis" is a word with an obvious meaning. It may be too harsh to use in the context of this article, but is it? How long is the "waiting period" for those who don't get it to do so? Can the waiting period become too long? When does paralysis shut things down?

Why can't exercise physiologists think and write about the professionalism of exercise physiology as easily as they do about VO2 measurements? Obviously, there must be very important factors affecting their thinking and feelings about exercise physiology. Is the "truth" as simple as they are without roots and, frankly, with a future.

This thinking that currently prevails in the United States regarding the role of exercise science in exercise physiology is none other than misplaced [1]. It suffers from three problems: it is misleading; it is incorrect; and it is dangerous. Not because every person doesn't have the right to his/her own mind, but rather because profound changes require a completely different thinking.

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To justify this perspective, all one needs to do is reflect on the hypocrisy on the part of members of the academic profession who see no ASEP and speak no ASEP to avoid becoming involved; who see no need for the ASEP organization and speak no need for the organization to avoid appearing rude; who proclaim half-truths (e.g., exercise science is exercise physiology) and imply the rest, to avoid assuming professional responsibility.

Such behavior is the paralyzing consequences of failing to think outside of the box. And yet, even worse it represents the consequences of "political correctness" that must be rejected for all the obvious reasons. Hence, to be 100% clear what the term "academic profession" defines, it is every exercise physiologist as a faculty member in the 2,474 public 4-year academic institutions in the U.S [2]. Rather than open themselves up to the ASEP leadership, they have closed the door of the revolution in exercise physiology. To argue otherwise is an error of logic, like trying to measure blood pressure without the right instruments.

Those who do proclaim that there are no good reasons for valuing one's own professional organization are notoriously unjustified. The one thing that is required of all professions is the "professional organization." The logic stands up to criticism, objectives, and denials. It is indeed a criterion common to all healthcare professions. The best way to understand this point is to look at physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, dietitics, and host of other health-oriented professions.

It makes no sense for exercise physiologists to think differently from other professionals. What remains in the end is the basic understanding of professionalism. This is the power of professional development, which made its way into the public sector decades [3]. To believe that exercise physiology as a healthcare profession can exist outside the historical precedents set by other healthcare professions is oxymoronic. It leads not to dialogue but to failure.

For those who "get it," ASEP is the revolution in exercise physiology [4]. Deny this point and exercise physiologists deny their future, for one truth is equivalent to the other. In other words, while publishing research is important, it does not define a profession. The question of exercise physiology has a profession has been addressed many times before [5-10].

With ASEP board certification, everyone should know who ASEP exercise physiologists are and what they stand for and, equally important, the EPC will belong to a profession that meets the six basic characteristics of a profession, which are:

1. It is intellectual, carrying with its standards of education and practice with high personal responsibility.

2. It is based on systematic, theoretical views and ideas that are readily researched and published.

3. It has a relationship with professional colleagues regulated by a Code of Ethics.

4. It has a formal professional association supporting a professional philosophy and culture.

5. It is well organized internally to promote exercise physiologists.

6. It is recognized legally by a certification board staffed by professional members.

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These basic characteristics of a profession are being met through the organizational structure of the American Society of Exercise Physiologists. ASEP exists to serve its members, and to set the stage for a new beginning.

Professions are grounded in professional organizations. They are not a luxury. Instead, they are a powerful necessity, if not, a tool for the promotion and spread of ideas and energy that define the professions. It is common knowledge that every profession has its roots in its own professional organization. The fight to obtain recognition and credibility has its roots in the triumphant work of professional organizations.

Where is the new spirit of exercise physiology? Students everywhere want to be credible professionals; choose careers that will help them to be financially stable; and help benefit members of society. These values are not necessarily unique to a profession, but are common among established professions. Non-healthcare professions have also accepted this rationale [11]. Again, it is most unfortunate that academics act so dumbfounded or resigned to stridently oppose to the change process [12].

What is the true definition of exercise physiology? This is certainly not an age-old question because too few exercise physiologists, if any, have taken the time to adequately address the question. Yet, in a very short time, the ASEP leadership [13] answered the question: "Exercise Physiology is the identification of physiological mechanisms underlying physical activity, the comprehensive delivery of treatment services concerned with the analysis, improvement, and maintenance of health and fitness, rehabilitation of heart disease and other chronic diseases and/or disabilities, and the professional guidance and counsel of athletes and others interested in athletics, sports training, and human adaptability to acute and chronic exercise." The ASEP definition is all encompassing. Note the key words:

• Physiological mechanisms

• Comprehensive delivery of treatment services

• Analysis, improvement, and maintenance

• Health and fitness

• Rehabilitation of heart disease and other chronic disease and/or disabilities

• Professional guidance and counsel of athletes

• Sports training

• Human adaptability to acute and chronic exercise

As a matter of fact, despite their earlier beginnings and associations, the ASEP leaders also developed the first-ever definition [13] of an exercise physiologist: "…is a person who has an academic degree in exercise physiology, or who is certified by ASEP to practice exercise physiology [via the Exercise Physiologist Certified exam (EPC)], or who has a doctorate degree with an academic degree or emphasis in exercise physiology from an accredited college or university." Here again, note the key words:

• Academic degree in exercise physiology

• ASEP certified

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At the present time, there is no way to exclude the doctorate-prepared exercise physiologist from calling him- or herself an Exercise Physiologist. With future developments this is likely to change, however. For now, ASEP has developed an EPC Petition Guidelines [13] to encourage doctorate exercise physiologists to declare themselves as Board Certified. The turning point of the 21st century view of exercise physiology is marked by the founding of the ASEP organization in 1997.

The ancient idea that exercise physiologists are physiologists is dead and without merit. Such misguided thinking seems to have eluded many in the field. Above all, it is clear from the ASEP definition that exercise physiologists are not physiologists. From this perspective, which is consistent with the myths and reality of exercise physiology [14], it is vital to understand that the undergraduate degree in exercise science seldom produces "exercise scientists."

To put it more simply, "title" is important [15]. The power of any group lies in its title. This point was highlighted in an article entitled, "What's in a title?" – published in the September 1998 issue of the ASEPNewsletter. The following is a quote: "Everything! Exercise physiology defines who we are and what we do. Today, we are a mix of exercise science and exercise physiology. In the near future, more of us will be exercise physiologists and less exercise science. There is a difference. Interestingly, Charles Tipton used the title "exercise physiology (ogists)" nearly 80 times in his paper entitled, "Contemporary Exercise Physiology: Fifty Years...." I believe the title "exercise science" was used one time in the 24 page paper. Also important and of major significance is the title of the piece. Think about it."

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Whether we like it or not, the topic "What's in a name?" is directly linked to the quest by ASEP for leadership in exercise physiology.  How are we going to find ourselves if we don't have leaders to show us where to go?  We all possess a certain predisposition for leadership but we have failed to see it, even in ourselves. 

Ask others "where is our leadership" and those who have published research are likely to be identified as leaders.   Hence, in exercise physiology, researchers are leaders.  While this isn't necessarily a bad thing, students also need leaders, like Dr. Robergs and Dr. Astrand, who understand the importance of professionalism and the professionalization of exercise physiology.

Students need leaders with the courage to accept that a person's professional title is important.  To say that it isn’t makes no sense at all.  Students need leadership that understands this point, and who have the ability to turn vision into results.  The title "Exercise Physiologists" creates our reality [16]. 

Change itself is first reflected in the strength of the members’ decision to “walk the talk.”  The challenge is to walk in the direction exercise physiologists want to go.  That direction has been outlined in the ASEP web site.  It isn’t perfection.  Instead, it is a work in progress.  It is healthy and essential to the evolutionary steps required to professionalize exercise physiology, and it is a direction only exercise physiologists can define, organize, and manage. 

|If you don’t know where you are going, you |

|will end up somewhere else. |

|– L. Peter |

The importance of professionalism, respect for all exercise physiologists, and the nurturing of individual and collective responsibility within the healthcare community are changes brought about through increased ASEP member communication and trust [17].  This model has long guaranteed professional cohesion. It also breaks with the history of physical education and exercise science, which takes precedence over all political action and all otherwise political decision-making that would rather keep it as it has been.

The existence of ASEP allows for the true guarantee of freedom to create the profession of exercise physiology. Otherwise, why not surrender without a struggle, as is presently the case on many academic campuses? All of this is tremendously important, and true more so than most academics want to think. Today, exercise physiologists have the opportunity to embrace their own heritage, however poorly understood while professing to the world their commitment ASEP.

|The power to choose is an awesome |

|responsibility.  |

The fact of the matter is that exercise physiologists do not have a choice. What constitutes professionalism defines behavior. It is now the exercise physiologist's duty to travel the path of the ASEP perspective. Not to do so would amount to rejecting a fundamental argument and starting point for embracing the 21st century roots of exercise physiology.

References

1. Boone, T. (2007). The Tragic Illusion of Exercise Science. Professionalization of Exercise Physiologyonline. 10:10 [Online].

2. Pearson Education. (2005). Number of U.S. Colleges and Universities and Degrees Awarded in 2005. Infoplease. [Online].

3. Boone, T. (2007). Freedom to Think as an Exercise Physiologist. Professionalization of Exercise Physiologyonline. 10:11 [Online].

4. Boone, T. (2006). The Revolution in Exercise Physiology. Professionalization of Exercise Physiologyonline. 9:1 [Online].

5. Boone, T. (2005). Exercise Physiology: Professional Issues, Organizational Concerns, and Ethical Trends.  The Edwin Mellen Press. [Online].

6. Boone, T. (2004). Show Some Backbone. Professionalization of Exercise Physiologyonline. 7:11 [Online].

7. Boone, T. (2004). The Courage to Create the Future. Professionalization of Exercise Physiologyonline. 7:9 [Online]. 

8. Boone, T. (2002). The Power and Influence of Beliefs. Professionalization of Exercise Physiologyonline. 7:9 [Online]. 

9. Boone, T. (2000). The passionate pursuit of professionalism: a critical analysis. Professionalization of Exercise Physiologyonline. [Online].

10. Boone, T. (2000). The Idea of Power and Professionalism. Professionalization of Exercise Physiologyonline. 3:5 [Online].

11. Boone, T. (1998). Contemporary Exercise Physiologists: Thinking Beyond the Classrooms. Professionalization of Exercise Physiologyonline. 1:1 [Online].

12. Boone, T. (2007). Change is a Process, Not an Event. Professionalization of Exercise Physiologyonline. 10:11 [Online].

13. American Society of Exercise Physiologists. (2007). What Is Exercise Physiology? [Online].

14. Boone, T. (1998). Exercise Physiology Professionalism: Myth or Reality. ASEPNewsletter. 1:11 [Online].

15. Boone, T. (1998). What's In a Title? ASEPNewsletter. 2:9 [Online].

16. Boone, T. (2001). What's In a Name? ASEPNewsletter. 5:1 [Online].

17. Boone, T. (2000). There Really Isn't a Choice. ASEPNewsletter. 4:3 [Online].

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