ACSM releases new Call to Action Statement
In February, ACSM published a new pronouncement, “Exercise as Medicine for People with a Substance Use Disorder: An ACSM Call to Action Statement” in ACSM’s Current Sports Medicine Reports (CSMR) journal. Call to Action statements are official pronouncements of ACSM and represent our stance on the topic at hand. The intent is to provide a mechanism by which ACSM can make a concise, clear comment and provide action-oriented direction in a timely and efficient manner on evolving topics of high importance or with broad impact. This statement was developed using a blend of research evidence and consensus of expert opinion. Further, the paper underwent a rigorous review and approval process. “Exercise as Medicine for People with a Substance Use Disorder: An ACSM Call to Action Statement” addresses the specific issues to advance exercise as medicine in people with substance use disorder (SUD) including the challenges of co-occurring chronic pain, mental illness, and cardiopulmonary health conditions. In addition, specialized training for exercise professionals and other support staff should be provided on these issues, as well as on the multiple dimensions of stigma that can impair engagement in treatment and overall recovery in people with SUD.
The paper was chaired by Nora L. Nock, Ph.D. with additional members of the writing group: Mark Stoutenberg, Ph.D., FACSM, Dane B. Cook, Ph.D., FACSM, James W. Whitworth, Ph.D., E. Amy Janke, Ph.D., and Adam J. Gordon, M.D., MPH. The paper is freely available to view and download on our ACSM website. For access to the paper, click HERE.
ACSM From Around Field Science Series Open to Students
ACSM’s From Around the Field Science webinar series is designed to provide ACSM students and members an opportunity to learn more about the diverse science our members conduct. Join us for informal discussions with our ACSM members to hear more about what they study, the general research methodology they use, and some of the interesting results their research is generating. In February, Monica Hubal, PhD, FACSM from Indiana University will discuss how muscle damage occurs with exercise, including different measures of “damage” like delayed onset muscle soreness. Dr. Hubal’s presentation will cover why some people experience different responses to exercise, how muscle repairs itself and how repeated bouts of exercise drive adaptation. Join us on Feb. 15, from 12 - 1 p.m. ET for this interesting discussion. If you can’t join us live, register and we will send you the recording. FREE for ACSM members. Register here.
Physical Activity Alliance Newsletter
The mission of the Physical Activity Alliance (PAA) is to lead efforts to create, support, and advocate policy and system changes that enable all Americans to enjoy physically active lives. The PAA newsletter January is now available here or visit the PAA website for more information.
Research Volunteer Opportunity
The University of South Carolina is studying the demographics of Fellows in the American College of Sports Medicine. Fellows will complete a short online survey requesting personal demographics, familial variables, and thoughts on the application process for Fellowship. The researchers at the University of South Carolina hypothesize that demographics such as race/ethnicity, children, etc. may impact time to achieve Fellowship. The survey should only take 10-15 minutes to complete. Participation is anonymous, there will be no attempt to connect responses to Fellow cohorts. Results will be shared/published in aggregate form only. All data that is collected within the survey is returned directly to the research team at the University of South Carolina, not ACSM, via the survey platform (Qualtrics). Data collection and sharing of results are not connected with ACSM. If you would like to participate, please follow this survey link.
NIH offers webinar on funding opportunities for preventative interventions
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will host a “Pre-Application Webinar for Multi-Sectoral Preventive Interventions Research Network Funding Opportunities.” The webinar will cover notices of funding opportunities for:
- Multi-sectoral preventive interventions that address social determinants of health in populations that experience health disparities (PAR-24-053)
- Coordinating center to support multi-sectoral preventive interventions that address social determinants of health in populations that experience health disparities (RFA-OD-24-006).
NIH staff will provide an overview, objectives, application instructions, review criteria, and answer questions from attendees. The webinar is scheduled for Feb. 9, 2024, 2 - 3:30 p.m. ET. Follow the registration link to attend. Prospective applicants who are unable to participate are encouraged to view the video and slides, which will be available on the NIH webpage approximately two weeks after the webinar.