Study guide
3.5 PASB-Q, Stages of Change, AAL-Q & Screening in Pregnancy
CSEP Certified Personal Trainer CSEP-CPT
Track your progress as you read
Finished sections get a check mark.
1 Introduction: CSEP-CPT Certification & Theory Exam Overview
Introduction: CSEP-CPT Theory Exam Facts & Certification Pathway
2 Chapter 1: Anatomy & Biomechanics in Exercise
1.1 Musculoskeletal Anatomy & Major Muscle Actions 1.2 Planes of Motion & Joint Kinematics 1.3 Biomechanical Levers, Torques & Postural Forces 1.4 Neuromuscular Mechanics & Motor Unit Recruitment
3 Chapter 2: Exercise Physiology & Energy Metabolism
2.1 Bioenergetics & Metabolic Pathways 2.2 Cardiorespiratory Responses to Acute Exercise 2.3 Chronic Physiological Adaptations to Training 2.4 Fatigue Mechanisms & Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption 2.5 Dose-Response, Sedentary Behaviour & Age and Sex Differences
4 Chapter 3: CSEP-PATH & Pre-Participation Screening
3.1 The CSEP-PATH Framework & 6-A Process 3.2 Get Active Questionnaire (GAQ) & Reference Document Protocols 3.3 Pre-Assessment Screening: Resting Heart Rate & Blood Pressure Cut-Offs 3.4 Pre-Assessment Instructions, Medical Clearance & Contraindications 3.5 PASB-Q, Stages of Change, AAL-Q & Screening in Pregnancy
5 Chapter 4: Anthropometry & Body Composition Assessment
4.1 Body Mass Index (BMI) & Height/Weight Measurement Protocols 4.2 Waist Circumference Protocols & Health Risk Stratification 4.3 Body Composition Methods: Percent Fat Techniques vs. CSEP-PATH Anthropometry 4.4 Body Composition Interpretation & Sensitive Client Communication
6 Chapter 5: Aerobic Fitness Assessment
5.1 Principles of Submaximal Aerobic Testing & Heart Rate Monitoring 5.2 Modified Canadian Aerobic Fitness Test (mCAFT) Protocols 5.3 Ebbeling Treadmill & Rockport 1-Mile Walk Protocols 5.4 Submaximal Cycle Ergometer (YMCA) Test & Aerobic Calculations
7 Chapter 6: Musculoskeletal Fitness Assessment
6.1 Grip Strength & Vertical Jump Peak Power Protocols 6.2 Push-Up Test & Muscular Endurance Protocols 6.3 Sit-and-Reach & Flexibility Assessment Protocols 6.4 Back Extension (Biering-Sorensen) & Static Balance Protocols 6.5 Forearm Plank, Y Balance Test & Predicted 1-RM Protocols 6.6 Validity, Reliability, Objectivity & Measurement Error in CSEP-PATH Assessments
8 Chapter 7: Exercise Prescription & Aerobic Training Design
7.1 Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults & Youth 7.2 FITT-VP Principles for Cardiorespiratory Fitness 7.3 Training Heart Rate Calculations & RPE Scales 7.4 Aerobic Progression Strategies & Periodization Models 7.5 Canada's Food Guide, Weight Management & Health vs. Performance Goals
9 Chapter 8: Muscular Fitness & Resistance Training Programming
8.1 Resistance Training Principles, Intensity & Repetition Ranges 8.2 Program Design: Exercise Selection, Order & Structural Splits 8.3 Flexibility & Neuromotor Training Programming 8.4 Warm-Up, Cool-Down & Recovery Strategies 8.5 Exercise Instruction, Spotting, Technique Correction & Self-Monitoring
10 Chapter 9: Exercise Prescription for Special & Chronic Populations
9.1 CSEP-CPT Scope for Clients with One Stable Chronic Condition 9.2 Exercise Modifications for Hypertension & Cardiovascular Risk 9.3 Exercise Considerations for Type 2 Diabetes & Metabolic Health 9.4 Exercise Modifications for Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis & Older Adults 9.5 Asthma, Cancer & Mental Health: Precautions and Signs of Decline 9.6 Recognizing & Responding to Adverse Events During Exercise
11 Chapter 10: Behavior Change & Lifestyle Coaching
10.1 Transtheoretical Model (TTM) Stages of Change & Processes 10.2 Motivational Interviewing Principles & OARS Techniques 10.3 Collaborative Goal Setting (SMART) & Action Planning 10.4 Overcoming Barriers, Relapse Prevention & Self-Efficacy 10.5 Theory of Planned Behaviour, HAPA & Brief Action Planning 10.6 Communication, Empathy & Instructional Techniques for Individual Clients
12 Chapter 11: Professional Practice, Scope & Risk Management
11.1 CSEP Scope of Practice Boundaries & Referral Pathways 11.2 Informed Consent, Liability Waivers & Client Documentation 11.3 Legal Liability, Negligence & Privacy Legislation (PIPEDA) 11.4 Emergency Action Plans, Facility Safety & Certification Maintenance 11.5 The CSEP Code of Conduct & Ethical Professional Practice
3.5 PASB-Q, Stages of Change, AAL-Q & Screening in Pregnancy
Key Takeaways Explain This Topic AI
The adult PASB-Q asks about aerobic days and minutes per week, muscle-strengthening sessions, perceived aerobic fitness, hours of sitting at work and in leisure, and how often sitting is broken up.
The Stages of Change Questionnaire places the client in a Transtheoretical Model stage, which guides stage-matched counselling and the choice of CSEP-PATH tools.
The Abilities for Active Living Questionnaire (AAL-Q) lets a person living with a disability identify accommodations needed for assessment or supervised exercise.
The Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy has four questions; any YES means the client speaks with their obstetric health care provider before beginning or continuing activity.
The 2019 Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week over at least three days.
Last updated: October 2026
3.5 PASB-Q, Stages of Change, AAL-Q & Screening in Pregnancy
CSEP-CPT competency 3.10 requires you to administer and explain the purpose and scoring of the Stages of Change Questionnaire , the Abilities for Active Living Questionnaire (AAL-Q) and the PASB-Q . Competency 2.2 asks you to use the PASB-Q to identify and suggest improvements in lifestyle behaviours. Competency 3.1 adds pre-screening in pregnancy. These tools sit in the CSEP-PATH Toolkit under Step 1 – Ask and Step 2 – Assess.
- Toolkit tool Step Purpose
- Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy (#7) Ask Pre-screen pregnant clients
- Prenatal Physical Activity HCP Consultation Form (#8) Ask Support the conversation with the obstetric provider
Abilities for Active Living Questionnaire, AAL-Q (#9) Ask Identify accommodations for clients living with a disability
Movement Counselling Tool (#13 and #14) Assess Brief counselling on activity, sitting and sleep against the 24-Hour Guidelines
- PASB-Q Adults (#15) and Youth (#16) Assess Measure activity and sedentary behaviour
- Healthy Sleep Assessment (#17) Assess Screen sleep habits
- Stages of Change Questionnaire (#18) Assess Identify readiness to change
- The PASB-Q (Adults, 18 and Over)
The Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Questionnaire asks about a typical week. The client may log activity for a week beforehand to improve accuracy.
- Item What it asks Unit
- 1 Days per week of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic activity days/week
- 2 Average minutes per day on those days; multiply by days minutes/week
- 3 Times per week of muscle-strengthening activity (resistance training, very heavy gardening) times/week
- 4 Perceived aerobic fitness Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair or Poor
- 5 Hours per day in continuous sitting at work, meetings, volunteering and motorized commuting hours/day
- 6 Hours per day sitting in leisure (TV, computer, reading, sitting quietly) hours/day
- Total Items 5 + 6 hours/day
- 7 When sitting for an hour or more, how often the client stands and moves for two minutes interval category
Using the results :
Compare aerobic minutes with the 150 minutes per week guideline and strengthening sessions with twice a week .
Compare total sitting with the 8 hours or less guideline.
Look at item 7 for break-up opportunities.
CSEP-PATH assigns Health Benefit Ratings to aerobic activity, strengthening, perceived fitness and sedentary behaviour on the Client Information Sheet. The PASB-Q has been shown to be valid and reliable for adults (Fowles et al., 2017, Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism ). A Youth PASB-Q (ages 12–17) uses the youth guideline targets.
Worked Example
A client walks briskly 3 days a week for 30 minutes (90 minutes/week), strength trains once a week, rates their aerobic fitness "Fair", sits 7 hours at work plus 3 hours in the evening (10 hours/day), and takes a break only every 1 to 1.5 hours.
Gaps : 60 more aerobic minutes per week, one more strengthening session, and about 2 hours/day of sitting above the guideline.
Agree-step ideas : add two 30-minute walks, add a second strengthening session, and break up sitting every 30 minutes at work.
The Stages of Change Questionnaire
This short CSEP-PATH tool asks the client which statement best describes their current physical activity. Each statement maps to a Transtheoretical Model stage:
Precontemplation : not intending to become active in the next six months.
Contemplation : intending to start within six months.
Preparation : intending to start within the next month, with some activity already.
Action : regularly active for less than six months.
Maintenance : regularly active for six months or more.
Its purpose (competencies 2.12, 2.17 and 2.19) is to match counselling and tools to readiness:
Stage Counselling emphasis CSEP-PATH tools that fit
Precontemplation Build awareness, respect autonomy, avoid pressure Movement Counselling Tool; brief information
- Contemplation Explore ambivalence; weigh pros and cons Decision Balance Worksheet
- Preparation Set a small first goal and plan First Step Planning Worksheet; Goal Setting Worksheet
Action Build skills, solve barriers, monitor Barriers to Physical Activity; Alternatives for Action; Weekly Planner and Log
- Maintenance Prevent relapse, add variety Relapse Planning Worksheet
- The Abilities for Active Living Questionnaire (AAL-Q)
The AAL-Q recognizes that people living with a disability are more likely to face environmental barriers to activity. Disability here means physical or mental differences in function that affect the ability to perform specific tasks. Completed in Step 1, it invites the client to tell the trainer, ideally in advance, about limitations and the accommodations that would make the first meeting and assessment a success. Examples include accessible entry and washrooms, transfer assistance, a seated or arm-cycle option, extra time, communication supports, or a support person.
Use it to adapt the setting and choice of protocols, not to exclude the client. If the disability involves a medical condition, the usual screening rules still apply: one stable condition, Health Screening Tool checks, or referral.
Pregnancy: The Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy
CSEP released the Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy to accompany the 2019 Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy (CSEP and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada). It replaces the PARmed-X for Pregnancy, which required every pregnant client to obtain health care provider clearance first; CSEP's competency list still mentions the PARmed-X by name.
Page 1 asks four questions:
In this pregnancy , do you have: respiratory or cardiovascular disease; unstable epilepsy; type 1 diabetes that is unstable or outside target ranges; unstable thyroid disease; an eating disorder or malnutrition; twins at 28 weeks or later, or triplets or more; anemia with high fatigue or lightheadedness; high blood pressure (preeclampsia, gestational or unstable chronic hypertension); a baby growing slowly; unexplained bleeding, ruptured membranes or labour before 37 weeks; placenta previa; incompetent cervix; or a cerclage?
In previous pregnancies , have you had recurrent miscarriages (two or more before 20 weeks) or early delivery before 37 weeks?
Any other medical condition that may affect activity during pregnancy?
Any other reason you are concerned about activity during pregnancy?
Any YES means the client speaks with their obstetric health care provider (physician or midwife) before beginning or continuing activity. The Health Care Provider Consultation Form for Prenatal Physical Activity supports that conversation. Page 2 records activity before and during pregnancy and the client's goals.
General advice on the form :
At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week , spread over three or more days.
Consult the health care provider before vigorous activity or activity at elevations above 2500 m .
Complete the questionnaire again if health changes as the pregnancy progresses.
CSEP also offers a Pre and Postnatal Exercise Specialization for professionals who want advanced competence in this area.